New Evidence Hints at Improved IVF Success with Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Navigating IVF: Can Genetics Tip the Scales?

IVF has revolutionized fertility care, but the journey to a healthy baby remains fraught with tough decisions—one of the biggest is selecting the “best” embryo. Traditionally, clinics rely on a microscope to pick embryos that simply look healthy. But what if we could see beyond appearances and peek at the embryo’s genetic blueprint?

Enter preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a technology that screens embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer, offering hope for higher success rates. But does it really work better than conventional IVF?

The Study: A Closer Look at IVF with and without Genetic Testing

Researchers at Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital set out to answer this question. In a retrospective review, they included 409 couples undergoing their first IVF cycle, all with three or more high-quality embryos. All fertilizations were done via ICSI, and everyone had a single frozen embryo transferred. Couples either underwent PGT (219 couples, subdivided into PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR) or conventional IVF selection based on appearance (190 couples).

Key Findings: More Than Skin Deep

The live birth rate was higher in the PGT group (46.12%) versus conventional IVF (34.74%), a statistically significant difference.

The PGT-A subgroup (testing for chromosomal aneuploidy) shone brightest, with a live birth rate of 48.28%.

Miscarriage rates were also lower in PGT and PGT-A groups compared to conventional IVF.

Other pregnancy milestones (like clinical pregnancy rates and multiple pregnancies) were similar between groups.

Importantly, the type of ovarian stimulation or endometrial preparation used didn’t affect PGT’s live birth advantage.

What Does This Mean for IVF Patients?

For individuals and couples considering IVF, these results suggest that PGT—especially PGT-A—could offer a better chance at taking home a baby after just one embryo transfer. By looking beyond the embryo’s shape to its genetic health, clinics may be able to boost both success rates and peace of mind. However, experts note that PGT is not perfect and can’t guarantee success; limitations like false results or missed genetic issues still exist.

A Note of Caution

While the findings are promising, the study had a relatively small sample size and covered only single embryo transfers. The authors highlight the need for larger, long-term research to confirm these early signals.

5 Key Takeaways:

PGT, particularly PGT-A, improves live birth rates in first single frozen embryo transfers compared to conventional IVF.

Miscarriage rates decrease with PGT and PGT-A.

Ovarian stimulation and endometrial preparation protocols do not affect live birth outcomes in PGT cycles.

No differences were found in clinical pregnancy or multiple pregnancy rates between groups.

Larger studies are needed, but genetic testing may be a valuable tool for IVF success.

Citation:

Wang, Y., Yu, X., Wang, Y., Teng, W., Xian, H., & Wang, F. (2025). Live birth rates with and without preimplantation genetic testing: a single-center retrospective study. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 312, 2269–2278. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-08225-x