At a glance
Understand what PGT-A can and cannot tell you, and how success rates are measured in Thailand. Learn key factors that influence outcomes and questions to ask your clinic.
PGT-A Success Rates in Thailand: A Realistic Overview
If you are exploring IVF in Thailand, you have likely come across PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy). This test screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Many patients ask: “What are the success rates with PGT-A in Thailand?” The short answer is that PGT-A does not guarantee a pregnancy or live birth, but it can help you choose embryos with the best chance of implanting and developing. Success rates vary widely based on your age, embryo quality, and clinic protocols. This guide explains what PGT-A measures, how success is reported, and what factors influence your chances.
At a Glance: Key Points About PGT-A
- PGT-A screens embryos for abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy).
- It does not improve embryo quality; it helps select embryos more likely to be chromosomally normal.
- Success rates are often reported as live birth per transferred embryo, but this varies by age and embryo quality.
- PGT-A is not necessary for everyone; your doctor can advise based on your history.
- In Thailand, many IVF clinics offer PGT-A, but outcomes depend on lab standards and your individual situation.
What Is PGT-A and How Does It Work?
PGT-A is a genetic test performed on embryos created through IVF. A few cells are removed from the embryo (usually at the blastocyst stage, around day 5 or 6) and analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities. Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes (euploid) are considered viable for transfer. Those with missing or extra chromosomes (aneuploid) often fail to implant or result in miscarriage.
This test is different from PGT-M (for single-gene disorders) and PGT-SR (for structural rearrangements). PGT-A focuses on chromosome number, not specific genetic diseases.
How Are PGT-A Success Rates Measured?
Success rates can be reported in several ways, and it is important to understand the difference:
- Live birth per transferred embryo: The most meaningful measure for patients. It tells you the chance that a single transferred embryo results in a live birth.
- Ongoing pregnancy rate: The percentage of pregnancies that progress past a certain point (e.g., 12 weeks).
- Clinical pregnancy rate: The presence of a fetal heartbeat on ultrasound.
- Euploidy rate: The percentage of embryos that are chromosomally normal. This is not a success rate but a laboratory measure.
When clinics quote “success rates,” ask exactly what they are measuring. A high clinical pregnancy rate may not translate to a live birth.
Factors That Influence PGT-A Success in Thailand
Several factors affect your chances of a successful PGT-A cycle:
Maternal Age
Age is the strongest predictor of embryo aneuploidy. Women under 35 have a higher proportion of normal embryos, while women over 40 have fewer. Therefore, PGT-A success rates are higher in younger women simply because they are more likely to have at least one euploid embryo for transfer.
Embryo Quality and Development
Embryos that reach the blastocyst stage and have good morphology are more likely to be euploid. However, even high-grade embryos can be aneuploid. PGT-A adds genetic information to morphological assessment.
Laboratory Standards and Biopsy Technique
The accuracy of PGT-A depends on the laboratory’s experience and the biopsy method. In Thailand, clinics may use different platforms (e.g., next-generation sequencing). Ask about the lab’s accreditation and how many cycles they perform annually.
Number of Embryos Available
To benefit from PGT-A, you need a sufficient number of embryos to test. If you produce few embryos, the chance that at least one is euploid decreases.
Clinic-Specific Protocols
Each clinic has its own protocols for ovarian stimulation, embryo culture, and transfer. These can affect the number and quality of embryos you produce.
What Do Published Success Rates Show?
While specific Thailand-specific published rates are not available in this guide, international studies show that transferring a euploid embryo results in higher implantation and live birth rates per transfer compared to transferring an untested embryo, especially in women of advanced maternal age. However, the overall chance of a live birth per cycle may not be higher because some cycles produce no euploid embryos.
In Thailand, many clinics report success rates on their websites, but these are not standardized. Always ask for the clinic’s own data, broken down by age group and transfer type.
Is PGT-A Right for You?
PGT-A is not for everyone. It is often recommended for:
- Women over 35
- Couples with recurrent miscarriage
- Previous failed IVF cycles
- Severe male factor infertility
However, it adds cost and time to the IVF process. Some couples may not need it, especially younger women with no known fertility issues. Discuss your specific situation with a fertility specialist.
Questions to Ask Your Clinic About PGT-A Success
When evaluating clinics in Thailand, ask these questions:
- What is your live birth rate per transferred euploid embryo for my age group?
- How many PGT-A cycles do you perform per year?
- What genetic testing platform do you use, and is your lab accredited?
- How do you handle embryos with no result or mosaic results?
- What is the cost of PGT-A, and are there additional fees for biopsy or storage?
Next Steps: Making an Informed Decision
Before committing to PGT-A in Thailand, take these steps:
- Gather your medical history and any previous IVF results.
- Consult with a fertility specialist to determine if PGT-A is appropriate.
- Research clinics and ask for their success data.
- Consider the emotional and financial investment.
- Prepare questions for your initial consultation.
Remember, PGT-A is a tool to help you make informed decisions, not a guarantee. Your doctor can guide you based on your unique circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the success rate of PGT-A in Thailand?
Success rates vary widely depending on maternal age, embryo quality, and clinic protocols. There is no single national rate. Ask your clinic for its live birth rate per transferred euploid embryo, broken down by age group.
Does PGT-A guarantee a live birth?
No. PGT-A helps select embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, which increases the chance of implantation and reduces miscarriage risk, but it does not guarantee pregnancy or live birth. Other factors, such as uterine receptivity and embryo quality, also matter.
Is PGT-A worth the extra cost in Thailand?
For some patients, especially those over 35 or with recurrent miscarriage, PGT-A may reduce the number of failed transfers and miscarriages. However, it adds significant cost and may not be necessary for everyone. Discuss the potential benefits and limitations with your doctor.
How long does PGT-A testing take in Thailand?
PGT-A typically adds about 2-4 weeks to the IVF process because embryos must be biopsied and sent to a lab for analysis. This may require a frozen embryo transfer in a subsequent cycle. Your clinic will provide a specific timeline.
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Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.
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