A basic genetic clarification is optional, depending on personal wishes. However, before an IVF/ICSI treatment cycle, it is our recommendation to have a basic genetic work-up carried out as part of the basic diagnosis. Our reasons for this recommendation are clear: studies show that chromosomal abnormalities are more common in every couple who need IVF or ICSI to have children: up to 4% of these couples have been found to have a chromosomal alteration. In addition, up to 5% of men with poor sperm quality were found to have microdeletions in the Y chromosome.
Today, chromosome analysis (karyotype analysis) is relatively inexpensive and fast;
IVF/ICSI treatment is always a great emotional and financial investment for a couple.
With the techniques of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, which can be carried out in addition to IVF/ICSI treatment, numerous unsuccessful IVF/ICSI treatment cycles can be avoided. Basic genetic counseling is an essential part of your IVF/ICSI treatment.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is only possible if the specific requirements of the Reproductive Medicine Act (FMedG) are met. In this case, however, it is possible to carry out an indirect genetic analysis of the maternal genome using one polar body or preferably both polar bodies of the oocyte.
Note: A polar body biopsy can only detect diseases inherited on the mother’s side.
Polar bodies are cells that are not capable of fertilization and are formed during cell division of the egg cell before fertilization (the “sisters” of the egg, so to speak) and contain half of the entire maternal genome. Polar bodies can be biopsied and dissected in a specialized genetic laboratory (not at the ReproCreate Fertility Clinic) and their genetic material can be analyzed.
A polar body biopsy is particularly suitable for patients older than 35 years – i.e. patients with an already high proportion of genetically abnormal oocytes who want to improve the success rate of their IVF/ICSI treatment.
The treatment steps in a polar body biopsy cycle are essentially the same as those in an ordinary IVF/ICSI treatment cycle. The only difference is that, in addition, the biopsy of the polar bodies is performed shortly before embryo formation. As a rule, the result of the genetic laboratory is available within a few days, and it is almost always possible to carry out the (fresh) embryo transfer 5 days after egg retrieval, as in the ordinary ICSI cycle.
Note: The classic IVF method of fertilization cannot be used during a treatment cycle with polar body biopsy.
Note: If both polar bodies of multiple oocytes are biopsied and genetically analyzed, there is a greater chance that at least one of the resulting embryos will not have chromosomal abnormalities/maternal gene mutations.
Note: It is possible that the genetic analysis of some (or rarely all) embryos cannot be performed or is inconclusive. There is also the possibility that all biopsied and tested polar bodies indicate that the resulting embryos are not genetically healthy.
However, in these two adverse clinical scenarios, embryo transfer is not impossible. Embryos with chromosomal abnormalities can, in some cases, repair themselves during their early development. In such a scenario, embryo transfer is only possible after detailed consultation with the patient or .dem couple.
