Do You Really Need PGT Testing Before Your Embryo Transfer?
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Do You Really Need PGT Testing Before Your Embryo Transfer?
It's one of the most common questions patients ask before an embryo transfer: "Do I actually need genetic testing, or can I just transfer and see what happens?"
The honest answer is — it depends on your situation. PGT isn't a mandatory step for every IVF journey, but for the right candidates, it can mean the difference between transfer after transfer of uncertainty, and a single, informed decision.
Here's what PGT actually does, and how to know if it's worth it for you.
At GenPrime Genea Thailand, we offer full PGT screening — PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR — to help identify chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in embryos before transfer. Here's what PGT actually does, and how to know if it's worth it for you.
What PGT is actually solving for
Not every embryo that looks perfect under the microscope is chromosomally normal. In fact, a large share of embryos — especially from women over 35 — carry chromosomal errors that aren't visible to the embryologist's eye. These are often the hidden reason behind failed implantation, early miscarriage, or a "good grade" embryo that just doesn't take.
PGT looks inside the embryo at the genetic level, before transfer, so you're not finding out the hard way.
There are three types — and they're not interchangeable.
PGT-A — for anyone wondering "is this embryo even viable?"
PGT-A checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. Too many or too few, and the embryo is unlikely to implant, or is at high risk of miscarrying, even if it looks flawless on day 5.
You'd consider this if:
You're 35 or older
You've had recurrent miscarriages
A previous "top quality" embryo transfer didn't result in pregnancy
You simply want to transfer fewer times, with more confidence per transfer
PGT-M — for known genetic conditions in the family
This one isn't about screening for chance abnormalities — it's targeted. PGT-M is used when you and your partner already know a specific inherited condition runs in the family (thalassemia, for example), and you want to avoid passing it on.
You'd consider this if:
You or your partner are a known carrier of a single-gene disorder
There's a family history of a genetic condition with an identified gene mutation
You want certainty before pregnancy, not testing after
PGT-SR — for chromosomal structural carriers
Some people carry a rearranged chromosome structure — a translocation or inversion — without it ever affecting their own health. The problem shows up when that structure gets passed to an embryo unevenly, often leading to failed implantation or miscarriage with no obvious cause.
You'd consider this if:
You or your partner have a known translocation or inversion
You've experienced unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
A prior karyotype test flagged a structural chromosome issue
Why we recommend it
At GenPrime Genea, we see PGT as more than an optional add-on — it's a preventive step. Every failed transfer or miscarriage takes a toll, physically, emotionally, and financially. Identifying a chromosomal or genetic issue before transfer, rather than after a loss, is why we encourage eligible patients to consider PGT as part of their treatment plan.
That said, the right choice still depends on your age, history, and prior results — which is exactly what your fertility specialist will walk through with you before recommending a specific testing path.
Not sure which category you fall into? The fertility specialists at GenPrime by Genea Thailand can walk through your history and help you decide which PGT screening service makes sense for your next cycle.
It's one of the most common questions patients ask before an embryo transfer: "Do I actually need genetic testing, or can I just transfer and see what happens?"
The honest answer is — it depends on your situation. PGT isn't a mandatory step for every IVF journey, but for the right candidates, it can mean the difference between transfer after transfer of uncertainty, and a single, informed decision.
Here's what PGT actually does, and how to know if it's worth it for you.
At GenPrime Genea Thailand, we offer full PGT screening — PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR — to help identify chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in embryos before transfer. Here's what PGT actually does, and how to know if it's worth it for you.
What PGT is actually solving for
Not every embryo that looks perfect under the microscope is chromosomally normal. In fact, a large share of embryos — especially from women over 35 — carry chromosomal errors that aren't visible to the embryologist's eye. These are often the hidden reason behind failed implantation, early miscarriage, or a "good grade" embryo that just doesn't take.
PGT looks inside the embryo at the genetic level, before transfer, so you're not finding out the hard way.
There are three types — and they're not interchangeable.
PGT-A — for anyone wondering "is this embryo even viable?"
PGT-A checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. Too many or too few, and the embryo is unlikely to implant, or is at high risk of miscarrying, even if it looks flawless on day 5.
You'd consider this if:
You're 35 or older
You've had recurrent miscarriages
A previous "top quality" embryo transfer didn't result in pregnancy
You simply want to transfer fewer times, with more confidence per transfer
PGT-M — for known genetic conditions in the family
This one isn't about screening for chance abnormalities — it's targeted. PGT-M is used when you and your partner already know a specific inherited condition runs in the family (thalassemia, for example), and you want to avoid passing it on.
You'd consider this if:
You or your partner are a known carrier of a single-gene disorder
There's a family history of a genetic condition with an identified gene mutation
You want certainty before pregnancy, not testing after
PGT-SR — for chromosomal structural carriers
Some people carry a rearranged chromosome structure — a translocation or inversion — without it ever affecting their own health. The problem shows up when that structure gets passed to an embryo unevenly, often leading to failed implantation or miscarriage with no obvious cause.
You'd consider this if:
You or your partner have a known translocation or inversion
You've experienced unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
A prior karyotype test flagged a structural chromosome issue
Why we recommend it
At GenPrime Genea, we see PGT as more than an optional add-on — it's a preventive step. Every failed transfer or miscarriage takes a toll, physically, emotionally, and financially. Identifying a chromosomal or genetic issue before transfer, rather than after a loss, is why we encourage eligible patients to consider PGT as part of their treatment plan.
That said, the right choice still depends on your age, history, and prior results — which is exactly what your fertility specialist will walk through with you before recommending a specific testing path.
Not sure which category you fall into? The fertility specialists at GenPrime by Genea Thailand can walk through your history and help you decide which PGT screening service makes sense for your next cycle.
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