Genetic testing of IVF embryos can help women over 35 conceive faster: Study
A UK study finds genetic testing of IVF embryos (PGT-A) can boost success rates in women aged 35–42, helping them conceive faster and reducing the emotional toll of repeated unsuccessful cycles.
New Delhi: Genetic testing of IVF-created embryos could help women over 35 have a baby in less time, according to a study released on Monday.
Researchers from King’s College London, UK, led the first randomised controlled trial worldwide to focus exclusively on women aged 35–42, a group at higher risk of producing embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.
The trial studied the use of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), a method that checks embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
Older women are more likely to produce embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes, which can make conception difficult and increase the risk of miscarriage.
The results, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, showed a higher cumulative live birth rate after up to three embryo transfers—72 per cent in the PGT-A group compared to 52 per cent in the control group.
Women in the PGT-A group also achieved pregnancy in fewer transfers, reducing the time to conception, a critical factor for women of advanced reproductive age.
“The number of women starting their family above the age of 35 is increasing, and women in this age group are more likely to create embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes. This increases the risk of unsuccessful implantation and miscarriages,” said Dr Yusuf Beebeejaun from King’s College London.
“Our findings suggest that targeted use of PGT-A in this age group could help more women have a baby sooner, while also reducing the emotional toll of repeated unsuccessful cycles,” he added.
The pilot study included 100 women undergoing fertility treatment at King’s Fertility, with 50 patients in the PGT-A group and 50 in the control group. It aimed to fill the evidence gap by focusing on older patients and assessing the feasibility of a multi-centre trial that explores the test’s impact on pregnancy and live birth rates in women aged 35–42.
“While larger multi-centre trials are needed to confirm these findings, improving treatment efficiency with a shorter time to achieving pregnancy and live birth could reduce the physical and emotional burden of IVF for women of advanced reproductive age,” said lead author Dr Sesh Sunkara from King’s College London.
