PGT-A vs. IVF Without PGT in Thailand: How to Decide

If you are planning IVF in Thailand, one of the decisions you may face is whether to add preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) to your cycle. PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, but it is not a guarantee of pregnancy or a healthy baby. This guide compares the potential benefits and limitations of PGT-A versus not doing it, helping you think through the factors that matter most for your situation.

At a glance: PGT-A vs. no PGT

• PGT-A screens embryos for extra or missing chromosomes, which are a common cause of implantation failure and miscarriage.
• No PGT means embryos are selected based on appearance (morphology) and developmental stage, without genetic screening.
• PGT-A may reduce the chance of transferring an abnormal embryo, but it does not improve the quality of your eggs or embryos.
• The decision depends on your age, number of embryos, budget, and personal values.

What is PGT-A?

PGT-A is a test performed on a small number of cells taken from an embryo (usually at the blastocyst stage, around day 5 or 6 of development). The test looks for an abnormal number of chromosomes, a condition called aneuploidy. Most embryos with aneuploidy will not implant or will miscarry, and some may lead to conditions like Down syndrome.

PGT-A is different from PGT-M (for single-gene disorders) and PGT-SR (for structural rearrangements like translocations). PGT-A is not a test for all genetic diseases; it only screens for chromosomal number abnormalities.

What does IVF without PGT involve?

In a standard IVF cycle without PGT, embryos are cultured for several days and then graded by embryologists based on their appearance. The embryologist selects the embryo(s) that look most likely to implant. This approach is sometimes called “morphological selection.” It is less expensive and does not require the extra laboratory steps of biopsy and genetic analysis.

Potential benefits of PGT-A

• Reduced risk of transferring an abnormal embryo: PGT-A can identify embryos with an abnormal number of chromosomes, allowing the transfer of a euploid (normal) embryo.
• Lower chance of miscarriage: Because aneuploidy is a leading cause of early pregnancy loss, transferring a euploid embryo may reduce the risk of miscarriage.
• Fewer cycles to pregnancy: For some patients, especially those with a higher number of embryos, PGT-A may help avoid transferring embryos that would not implant, potentially reducing the number of transfer cycles needed.
• More information for decision-making: PGT-A results can provide insight into the chromosomal status of your embryos, which may help you decide how many to transfer or whether to consider additional testing.

Potential limitations and risks of PGT-A

• Not a guarantee: A euploid embryo may still fail to implant or miscarry due to other factors. PGT-A does not guarantee a live birth.
• Embryo damage: The biopsy procedure carries a small risk of damaging the embryo, though this is rare in experienced labs.
• Mosaicism: Some embryos have a mix of normal and abnormal cells (mosaicism). PGT-A may not always accurately predict the outcome for these embryos.
• Cost and time: PGT-A adds significant cost to an IVF cycle and requires the embryos to be frozen while testing is completed, which may delay transfer.
• No improvement in egg quality: PGT-A cannot fix underlying egg or sperm quality issues; it only screens the embryos you have.

Key factors to consider in your decision

Your age

Maternal age is the strongest predictor of embryo aneuploidy. The chance of an embryo having an abnormal number of chromosomes increases with age, particularly after 35. If you are older, PGT-A may be more useful because a higher proportion of your embryos are likely to be abnormal. However, even younger women can have aneuploid embryos, so age alone is not the only factor.

Number of embryos

PGT-A is most informative when you have multiple embryos to test. If you only have one or two embryos, the test may still be useful, but the results may be less actionable. If you have many embryos, PGT-A can help prioritize which ones to transfer first.

Budget

PGT-A adds a significant cost to an IVF cycle. You will need to weigh the potential benefits against the financial burden. Some patients prefer to use the money for additional IVF cycles if needed, rather than testing embryos.

Personal values and risk tolerance

Some patients prefer to have as much information as possible, even if it means additional cost and delay. Others prefer a more natural approach and are comfortable with the uncertainty of not testing. There is no right or wrong choice; it is a personal decision.

How to compare PGT-A vs. no PGT in Thailand

When you consult with a fertility clinic in Thailand, ask specific questions to help you compare your options:

• What is the cost of PGT-A, and what does it include?
• How many embryos do you recommend testing, and why?
• What is the clinic’s experience with PGT-A, and what is their biopsy success rate?
• How long will the testing take, and how will it affect my treatment timeline?
• What are the risks of the biopsy procedure at your lab?
• How do you handle mosaic embryos?
• What is the policy on transferring embryos with abnormal results?

Making your decision: a step-by-step approach

1. Gather information: Learn about PGT-A and your clinic’s specific protocols.
2. Assess your personal risk factors: Consider your age, medical history, and any previous pregnancy losses.
3. Estimate your embryo count: Discuss with your doctor how many embryos you are likely to have based on your ovarian reserve and response to stimulation.
4. Review your budget: Determine what you can afford and how PGT-A fits into your overall IVF costs.
5. Talk to your doctor: Ask for a personalized recommendation based on your situation.
6. Consider a second opinion: If you are unsure, seek advice from another fertility specialist.
7. Make a decision that feels right for you: Remember that there is no universally correct answer.

Next steps

If you are considering IVF in Thailand, take the time to research clinics and their PGT-A offerings. Ask about their success rates, laboratory standards, and how they support patients in making this decision. Ultimately, the choice between PGT-A and no PGT is yours, and it should align with your medical needs, financial situation, and personal preferences.

For more information, explore our PGT in Thailand guide, our IVF guides, and our FAQ section.

Frequently asked questions

Is PGT-A worth it in Thailand?

Whether PGT-A is worth it depends on your age, number of embryos, budget, and personal preferences. PGT-A can reduce the risk of transferring an abnormal embryo and may lower the chance of miscarriage, but it does not guarantee a live birth. Discuss your specific situation with your fertility doctor to determine if the benefits outweigh the costs for you.

Does PGT-A improve IVF success rates?

PGT-A may improve the efficiency of IVF by helping select embryos that are more likely to implant, but it does not guarantee success. The overall success rate depends on many factors, including embryo quality, uterine health, and the clinic's expertise. PGT-A cannot improve the quality of your eggs or embryos.

What is the difference between PGT-A and PGT-M?

PGT-A screens embryos for an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy), while PGT-M tests for specific single-gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. PGT-M is used when one or both parents are known carriers of a genetic condition. PGT-A is not a test for all genetic diseases.

Can PGT-A harm the embryo?

The biopsy procedure for PGT-A carries a small risk of damaging the embryo, but this is rare in experienced laboratories. The long-term effects of embryo biopsy are still being studied, but current evidence suggests it is generally safe. Discuss the risks with your clinic.

How much does PGT-A cost in Thailand?

The cost of PGT-A in Thailand varies by clinic and the number of embryos tested. It is typically an additional fee on top of the standard IVF cycle cost. Contact clinics directly for current pricing and what is included in the fee.

Continue your research

• PGT in Thailand overview
• PGT and IVF guides
• Frequently asked questions

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.