IVF and Embryo Genetic Testing (PGT) Coordination

What Is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive treatment in which eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory setting to create embryos, followed by embryo transfer into the uterus at the appropriate time. In some cases, fertilization may be performed through ICSI, a method in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.

IVF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The medical approach is tailored individually based on age, ovarian reserve, sperm parameters, previous treatment history, pregnancy history, and other clinical factors.

Comeheal is not positioned as a clinic or treatment provider, but as a trusted care coordinator that helps patients access the right medical teams, streamlines communication, and makes the journey easier to understand and navigate.

When May IVF Be Considered?

Healthcare professionals may consider IVF after an individual medical evaluation, particularly in situations such as:

• Unexplained infertility 
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes 
• Endometriosis 
• Ovulation disorders 
• Male factor infertility 
• Age-related decline in ovarian reserve 
• Recurrent pregnancy loss 
• Situations requiring evaluation of certain genetic risks 

Every case is different. The decision to proceed with IVF should always be based on a comprehensive medical assessment.

How Does the IVF Process Work?

Although every treatment plan is individualized, IVF commonly includes the following stages:

Initial assessment
Blood tests, ultrasound, semen analysis, and any additional investigations needed to shape the treatment plan.

Ovarian stimulation
The ovaries are stimulated with medication, and follicular development is monitored closely.

Egg retrieval (OPU)
Eggs are collected under short anesthesia or sedation.

Laboratory stage
Fertilization is performed through IVF or ICSI, followed by embryo development monitoring.

Embryo transfer
The selected embryo is transferred into the uterus at the appropriate time.

Follow-up
Supportive treatment continues after transfer, followed by pregnancy testing and clinical follow-up.

All medical decisions, including medication dose, monitoring schedule, transfer timing, and whether a fresh or frozen transfer is planned, are determined by the treating clinical team.

What Is Embryo Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Embryo genetic testing is an advanced laboratory-based assessment that can only be performed during an IVF cycle. Its purpose is to provide information about specific genetic or chromosomal features of the embryo and to support embryo selection within the framework of clinical decision-making.

During this process, a small number of cells are obtained from the embryo through biopsy and sent for laboratory analysis. The results may help assess whether the embryo carries certain chromosomal abnormalities or a known inherited condition present in the family.

Which Types of Genetic Testing Can Be Performed?

The two most commonly used embryo genetic tests are:

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
Used to assess numerical chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo.

PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)
Used to assess whether the embryo carries a specific inherited genetic condition known within the family.

These tests are not routinely indicated for every patient. Suitability depends on the clinical context, family history, and specialist evaluation.

What Is the Purpose of PGT-A?

PGT-A is designed to help assess numerical chromosomal abnormalities that may arise spontaneously in embryos. A chromosomally normal embryo is expected to contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one chromosome of each pair inherited from the mother and the other from the father.

Numerical chromosomal abnormalities, also known as aneuploidies, may develop due to factors related to fertilization, cell division, maternal age, egg quality, or other biological variables. These abnormalities may affect embryo development, implantation potential, and the likelihood of a healthy ongoing pregnancy.

PGT-A may be considered in selected patient groups to support embryo selection. However, its potential value is not the same in every case, and results must always be interpreted individually by the clinical team.

What Is the Purpose of PGT-M?

PGT-M may be considered when one or both parents are known to carry an inherited genetic disorder or a specific disease-causing genetic variant. Its purpose is to help identify embryos that do not carry the known condition being evaluated.

This is not a general screening test. It is designed to assess only the specific disorder or variant previously identified within the family. In selected cases, advanced genetic planning may also involve HLA-related evaluation.

Who May Be Considered for Embryo Genetic Testing?

Clinical teams may consider embryo genetic testing in situations such as:

Situations in which PGT-A may be considered

• Women aged 35 and above undergoing IVF 
• Recurrent pregnancy loss 
• Previous unsuccessful IVF attempts 
• Cases requiring additional chromosomal risk assessment 

Situations in which PGT-M may be considered

• Couples at risk for single-gene disorders 
• Parents known to be carriers of inherited genetic conditions 
• A previous child affected by a genetic disorder 
• Selected cases requiring HLA-related evaluation 

The need for these tests and their suitability should always be determined through specialist assessment and, when appropriate, genetic counseling.

What Should Be Known About Embryo Biopsy?

Embryo biopsy is generally performed at the blastocyst stage, usually on day 5 of embryo development. At this stage, the embryo contains many cells, and biopsy is typically performed on cells that are expected to contribute to placental development.

In experienced centers with appropriate laboratory standards, embryo biopsy may be part of routine clinical practice. Still, as with any medical procedure, its suitability, potential impact, and expected benefit must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Risks and Important Considerations

IVF is generally considered a safe treatment, but like any medical process, it may involve certain risks and uncertainties. These may include:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) 
• Bleeding, infection, or rare complications related to egg retrieval 
• Multiple pregnancy risk 
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Emotional burden associated with treatment 
• The fact that not every embryo results in pregnancy 

Similarly, embryo genetic testing does not guarantee the same outcome for every patient. The scope, limitations, accuracy, and clinical relevance of testing should always be assessed case by case.

Why Does Clinic Selection Matter?

Choosing the right clinic is an important part of both IVF treatment and embryo genetic evaluation. Key factors often include:

• Clinical experience 
• Laboratory quality and infrastructure 
• Capacity to support international patients 
• Transparency of the process 
• Appointment and follow-up planning 
• Language support, travel logistics, and operational coordination 

Comeheal helps patients compare suitable clinic options based on their needs and supports the coordination of medical records, communication flow, and evaluation pathways.

Our Role in Your Journey

Comeheal is not a clinic, hospital, or laboratory. We do not diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions. Instead, we support patients through:

• Preparation and secure transfer of medical documentation 
• Coordination with suitable clinics 
• Appointment and evaluation planning support 
• Medical interpretation and multilingual communication support 
• Travel and accommodation facilitation 
• Clear, structured, and reassuring communication throughout the process 

Our goal is to make sensitive journeys such as IVF and embryo genetic evaluation more understandable, more organized, and more manageable by reducing uncertainty and facilitating access to the right teams.