How embryo testing reduces miscarriages and enhances IVF success

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Daniel Potter, MD, FACOG, medical director at HRC Fertility in Newport Beach, California, discussed how embryo testing, particularly pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), can significantly improve the prediction and reduction of miscarriages.

Potter began by highlighting the unpredictable nature of miscarriage because of complex biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Aneuploidy, characterized by an abnormal number of chromosomes in embryos, is a leading cause of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester where 30-50% of spontaneous pregnancy losses result from this condition.

Embryo testing at HRC Fertility involves creating embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF), biopsying them, and analyzing their DNA to detect chromosomal abnormalities. This process helps eliminate embryos with aneuploidy, thus significantly reducing the chances of miscarriage. Additionally, it allows the identification of embryos that are likely to lead to successful pregnancies, improving IVF outcomes. Potter emphasized that this testing not only lowers miscarriage rates but also screens for genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Edwards syndrome, preventing the transfer of embryos with such abnormalities.

Beyond miscarriage prevention, the testing provides additional maternal and infant health benefits. By detecting chromosomal issues early, it reduces the risk of abnormal live births and enhances the likelihood of successful pregnancies. Potter underscored the importance of this technology for patients experiencing recurrent miscarriages, defined as two or more unexplained pregnancy losses in the first trimester. PGD offers a powerful solution by identifying viable embryos, enhancing implantation rates, and providing options such as gender selection.

Potter concluded that PGD represents a groundbreaking advancement in reproductive medicine over the past 30 years. Clinicians are encouraged to integrate this technique into their practice to improve patient outcomes, especially for those facing recurrent miscarriages or seeking higher success rates in IVF. The ability to screen embryos before transfer ensures a more precise and effective approach to fertility treatments, making PGD a transformative tool in reproductive health.