You have gone through the injections, the monitoring, the egg retrieval, and the anxious wait while embryos develop in the lab. Now comes the transfer. But which embryo do you transfer? The one that looks the best under the microscope? That has been the standard approach for years. And it works. But it does not tell you what is happening inside the embryo at a genetic level.
That is where PGT comes in. Preimplantation Genetic Testing in Wakad, offered by Dr. Pavan Bendale (M.B.B.S., DGO, DNB), gives you the ability to screen embryos for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities before they are transferred into the uterus. It does not guarantee pregnancy. But it dramatically improves the odds by ensuring you are transferring an embryo that has the best possible genetic foundation.
What Is PGT and What Does It Actually Do?
PGT is a group of genetic tests performed on embryos created through IVF, typically at the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or Day 6), before the embryo transfer takes place. A few cells are carefully biopsied from the outer layer of the embryo (trophectoderm) and sent for genetic analysis. The embryo itself is vitrified (frozen) while results are awaited.
There are three types of PGT, each designed for a different purpose:
1. PGT-A (Aneuploidy Screening)
This is the most commonly used type. PGT-A checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 in total, 23 pairs). Embryos with extra or missing chromosomes (aneuploid) are the leading cause of implantation failure, early miscarriage, and conditions like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). PGT-A identifies which embryos are chromosomally normal (euploid) so only those are selected for transfer.
2. PGT-M (Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders)
PGT-M screens embryos for specific inherited genetic diseases that run in the family. If you or your partner are carriers of conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or Huntington’s disease, PGT-M identifies embryos that are free of that particular mutation. This prevents the disease from being passed to the next generation.
3. PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements)
PGT-SR is used when one or both partners carry a balanced chromosomal translocation or inversion. These structural rearrangements often cause no symptoms in the carrier but can lead to repeated miscarriages or chromosomally abnormal pregnancies. PGT-SR identifies embryos with a balanced or normal chromosomal structure.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), PGT-A can significantly reduce miscarriage rates and improve the efficiency of IVF by enabling single embryo transfer with high confidence, reducing the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
Who Should Consider PGT Before Embryo Transfer?
PGT is not mandatory for every IVF cycle. But for certain patient profiles, it can be the difference between another failed cycle and a successful pregnancy. Dr. Pavan Bendale recommends considering PGT in the following scenarios:
1. Women above 35, because the rate of chromosomally abnormal eggs rises sharply with age
2. Couples who have experienced two or more unexplained IVF failures despite good embryo grades
3. Couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages (two or more consecutive pregnancy losses)
4. Known carriers of single gene disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell, or cystic fibrosis
5. Either partner carrying a balanced chromosomal translocation or inversion confirmed on karyotyping
6. Couples who want to maximize the chance of success with a single embryo transfer and avoid the risks of twins
7. Previous pregnancies affected by chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome
8. Severe male factor infertility where ICSI is used, as ICSI-derived embryos may have slightly higher aneuploidy rates
For a 28-year-old with unexplained infertility doing her first IVF cycle, PGT-A may not be necessary. For a 39-year-old with two prior miscarriages, it could be the most important addition to her cycle. Dr. Pavan Bendale evaluates each case individually and recommends PGT only when the clinical benefit justifies the additional cost and time.
“We lost two pregnancies in the first trimester. Both times, genetic testing on the miscarriage tissue showed chromosomal problems. In our next IVF cycle, Dr. Pavan Bendale recommended PGT-A. Out of 5 embryos, only 2 were normal. We transferred one. Our son is 8 months old now. Without that test, we would have been guessing again.”
— Verified patient, Google Reviews
How Is PGT Done During an IVF Cycle?
PGT fits into the IVF process between embryo culture and embryo transfer. Here is how the timeline works:
1. Standard IVF/ICSI Cycle
Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and fertilization proceed as usual. Nothing changes about the IVF process itself.
2. Embryo Culture to Blastocyst Stage (Day 5 or 6)
Embryos are cultured in Dr. Pavan Bendale’s in-house embryology lab until they reach the blastocyst stage. Only embryos that develop to this stage are eligible for biopsy, which itself is a quality filter.
3. Trophectoderm Biopsy
A few cells (typically 5 to 8) are carefully removed from the trophectoderm, the outer cell layer that later forms the placenta. The inner cell mass, which becomes the baby, is not touched. This biopsy is performed by trained embryologists using micromanipulation equipment.
4. Embryo Vitrification
After biopsy, all embryos are immediately vitrified (flash-frozen) and stored safely while the genetic analysis is being completed.
5. Genetic Analysis
The biopsied cells are sent to an accredited genetics laboratory for testing. Results typically come back within 2 to 3 weeks. The report classifies each embryo as euploid (normal), aneuploid (abnormal), or mosaic (mixed).
6. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Once results are available, Dr. Pavan Bendale reviews them with you. A euploid embryo is selected and transferred in a subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycle. The uterine lining is prepared with medication to create optimal conditions for implantation.
Does PGT Improve IVF Success Rates?
The short answer is yes, but with an important nuance.
PGT does not create better embryos. It identifies which embryos already have the best genetic profile. The improvement comes from avoiding the transfer of embryos that were destined to fail or miscarry.
Here is what the data shows:
a) Implantation rates per transfer are higher with PGT-tested euploid embryos compared to untested embryos selected by morphology alone
b) Miscarriage rates drop significantly because the most common cause of early pregnancy loss (chromosomal abnormality) is eliminated before transfer
c) Time to pregnancy is often shorter because you avoid transferring embryos that would have failed anyway
d) Single embryo transfer becomes the confident standard, reducing the risk of twins and associated complications
At Dr. Pavan Bendale’s practice, PGT-tested frozen embryo transfers consistently show higher per-transfer pregnancy rates compared to fresh untested transfers, particularly for women above 35.
PGT at Dr. Pavan Bendale vs. Typical IVF Centres: What Is Different
| What Matters in PGT | Dr. Pavan Bendale | Most Other IVF Centres |
|---|---|---|
| All three PGT types available (A, M, SR) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Usually only PGT-A |
| In-house blastocyst culture and biopsy | ✓ On-site embryology lab | ✗ Embryos sent to external lab |
| Accredited genetics lab for analysis | ✓ Partnered with certified labs | ✗ Lab credentials not always verified |
| Doctor explains results personally | ✓ Dr. Pavan Bendale reviews with you | ✗ Report emailed without context |
| Individualized recommendation (not blanket PGT for all) | ✓ Case-by-case assessment | ✗ Pushed as default add-on |
| Mosaic embryo counselling | ✓ Detailed discussion on transfer options | ✗ Discarded without discussion |
| Genetic counselling for carrier couples | ✓ Pre-cycle and post-result | ✗ Rarely offered |
| Transparent pricing for PGT per embryo | ✓ Clear cost per embryo tested | ✗ Bundled or unclear pricing |
What About Mosaic Embryos?
PGT results are not always black and white. Some embryos come back as “mosaic,” meaning they contain a mix of chromosomally normal and abnormal cells. This creates a difficult decision.
A few years ago, mosaic embryos were routinely discarded. Today, growing evidence suggests that low-level mosaic embryos can result in healthy pregnancies, though with slightly lower success rates than fully euploid embryos.
Dr. Pavan Bendale discusses mosaic results in detail with every couple. If your only remaining embryos are mosaic, discarding them without a proper conversation is not the approach here. The decision is made together, backed by the latest published data, and tailored to your specific risk tolerance and clinical situation.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has published guidelines on the management and counselling of mosaic embryo results, supporting informed patient decision-making rather than blanket discard policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About PGT in Wakad
Does the biopsy harm the embryo?
When performed by experienced embryologists, trophectoderm biopsy has no significant impact on embryo viability. The cells removed are from the outer layer (future placenta), not from the inner cell mass (future baby). Survival rates after biopsy and vitrification are above 95 percent in well-equipped labs.
How long does it take to get PGT results?
Typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date the biopsy samples reach the genetics laboratory. During this time, your embryos remain safely vitrified.
What if none of my embryos come back normal?
This is a possibility, especially for women above 40 where aneuploidy rates are high. Dr. Pavan Bendale will discuss whether another IVF cycle to generate more embryos, a mosaic embryo transfer, or alternative pathways like donor eggs make sense for your situation.
Is PGT worth the extra cost?
For the right patient profile, absolutely. The cost of PGT is often less than the cost of a failed transfer cycle (medications, monitoring, procedure, emotional toll). By avoiding transfers that were unlikely to succeed, PGT can actually save money in the long run while reducing emotional and physical strain.
Can PGT detect all genetic diseases?
PGT-A screens for chromosomal number abnormalities. PGT-M tests for specific known mutations. Neither can detect every possible genetic condition. But together, they cover the most common and clinically significant causes of implantation failure, miscarriage, and inherited disease.
Do I have to do PGT with every IVF cycle?
No. PGT is optional and recommended based on your clinical profile. A young patient with a good prognosis doing her first cycle may not need it. A patient with repeated losses or advanced age will likely benefit significantly. Dr. Pavan Bendale never treats PGT as a mandatory upsell.
“Both my husband and I are thalassemia carriers. We were terrified of passing it to our child. Dr. Pavan Bendale did PGT-M on our embryos and identified two that were completely free of the trait. Our daughter was born healthy. That level of precision gave us peace of mind money cannot buy.”
— Verified patient, Google Reviews
Transfer with Confidence, Not Hope Alone.
PGT does not replace the skill of a good IVF doctor. It adds a layer of genetic intelligence to the decisions that matter most. When you know the embryo being transferred is chromosomally normal and free of the specific genetic risks relevant to your family, the transfer becomes a calculated clinical decision rather than a hopeful gamble.
Dr. Pavan Bendale will evaluate whether PGT adds value to your specific IVF cycle, explain the types of testing available, walk you through the costs, and help you make an informed choice based on your age, history, and goals.
Dr. Pavan Bendale
301, 3rd Floor, Darekar Heights, Dange Chowk Road, Bhumkar Chowk Rd, Opp. Pandit Petrol Pump, Tathawade, Pune 411033
Call / WhatsApp: 07840950737
Email: pavanbendale007@gmail.com
Know what you are transferring before you transfer it. Book your consultation today.
