IVF Centre Kozhikode: IVF for Couples With Genetic Concerns

Author : madhan kumar | Published On : 24 Jul 2026

When Genetics Becomes Part of Fertility Planning

Starting a family can bring many hopes, but couples with a known genetic condition in the family may have additional questions.

They may wonder whether a genetic condition could be passed to their child, whether they need special testing before pregnancy, or whether IVF can help reduce the risk of passing on a particular inherited condition.

For couples searching for an IVF Centre Kozhikode, these concerns can be addressed through a combination of fertility care and reproductive genetics.

IVF is not a treatment for every genetic condition. However, in selected situations, embryos created through IVF may be tested for specific genetic or chromosomal conditions before an embryo is considered for transfer.

The right approach depends on the exact genetic concern, the family's medical history, and the type of genetic condition involved.

What Is Reproductive Genetics?

Reproductive genetics is a specialised area of healthcare that focuses on genetic factors related to conception, pregnancy, and the health of future children.

Genetic concerns may arise when:

• One partner has a known inherited genetic condition

• Both partners carry the same recessive genetic condition. 

• There is a known family history of a genetic disorder. 

• A previous pregnancy was affected by a genetic condition

• Previous genetic testing identified a specific mutation

• Repeated pregnancy loss raises a concern about chromosomal abnormalities

Not every family history means that a baby will inherit a genetic condition.

The actual risk depends on how the condition is inherited and whether the genetic change is known.

Why Is Genetic Counselling Important?

Before considering IVF for genetic reasons, couples may benefit from genetic counselling.

A genetic counsellor or appropriately trained medical professional can review:

• Personal medical history

• Family history

• Previous pregnancy history

• Existing genetic test reports

• Possible inheritance patterns

• Available testing options

This step is important because genetic testing should be guided by a clear medical question.

For example, testing for a specific inherited condition is different from testing embryos for chromosome number.

Understanding the difference can help couples avoid unnecessary testing and make informed decisions.

What Is Carrier Screening?

Carrier screening is a type of genetic testing that looks for whether an individual carries certain genetic variants associated with inherited conditions.

A person may be a carrier without having symptoms of the condition.

In some inherited disorders, if both partners carry a disease-causing variant in the same gene, their children may have a higher risk of inheriting the condition.

Carrier screening may therefore be discussed before pregnancy or as part of fertility planning, depending on the couple's circumstances.

The choice of screening depends on family history, ancestry, medical guidelines, and available testing options.

How Can IVF Help With Genetic Concerns?

IVF may allow embryos to be created in the laboratory before transfer.

In selected situations, genetic testing can be performed on embryos to look for specific genetic or chromosomal characteristics.

This procedure is called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). 

The type of testing used depends on the medical concern.

For couples with a known risk of a specific inherited genetic condition, testing may be designed to identify embryos that do not carry the condition being investigated.

For some chromosomal concerns, a different type of testing may be considered.

The treatment should therefore be planned around the specific genetic question.

What Is PGT-M?

PGT-M refers to preimplantation genetic testing used to detect monogenic disorders. 

It is used when there is a known risk of a condition caused by a change in a single gene.

Examples may include certain inherited disorders.

Before testing can be performed, the genetic condition and the relevant genetic variant generally need to be clearly identified.

The laboratory then develops an appropriate testing strategy for embryos created through IVF.

The aim is to identify embryos that satisfy the required criteria for transfer. 

PGT-M is not appropriate for every couple and requires careful genetic and medical planning.

What Is PGT-A?

PGT-A refers to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

It evaluates whether embryos have the expected number of chromosomes.

Chromosomal abnormalities can sometimes contribute to implantation failure or miscarriage.

However, PGT-A is not a universal test for all IVF patients or all couples experiencing pregnancy loss.

Its usefulness depends on factors such as:

• Maternal age

• Embryo availability

• Reproductive history

• Previous IVF outcomes

• Individual medical circumstances

Couples should discuss the potential benefits and limitations with their fertility specialist before deciding whether PGT-A is appropriate.

What Does IVF With Genetic Testing Involve?

When IVF is planned with embryo genetic testing, the process usually includes several stages.

Ovarian Stimulation

The woman receives fertility medication to encourage multiple follicles to develop.

Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs are mature, they are collected through an egg retrieval procedure.

Fertilisation

The eggs are fertilised in the laboratory.

ICSI may be used in some treatment plans, depending on sperm factors and laboratory considerations.

Embryo Development

The embryos are carefully monitored as they continue to develop. 

Embryo Biopsy

At the appropriate stage of development, a small sample of cells may be collected from suitable embryos for genetic testing. 

Testing

The cells are analysed according to the specific genetic test being performed.

Embryo Transfer

After the results are available, an embryo that meets the agreed testing criteria may be considered for transfer.

Embryos may be frozen while genetic testing is completed.

Does Genetic Testing Guarantee a Healthy Baby?

No.

This is one of the most important points couples need to understand.

Genetic testing can provide valuable information, but it cannot detect every possible health condition.

A test is designed to answer a specific genetic question.

For example, a test targeting a known single-gene disorder cannot identify every other possible genetic or developmental condition.

Even when an embryo is found to be suitable according to the test performed, pregnancy and birth outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Prenatal care and appropriate pregnancy testing remain important.

Who May Benefit From Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing may be discussed when:

• A parent has a known inherited genetic condition

• Both partners are known carriers of the same recessive condition

• There is a previous child or pregnancy affected by a specific genetic disorder

• There is a known chromosomal rearrangement in one partner

• Certain reproductive histories suggest a need for genetic evaluation

The decision should be based on individual risk assessment.

Not every couple with a family history of a medical condition will require IVF or embryo testing.

What Happens If No Suitable Embryo Is Available?

Sometimes, genetic testing may show that none of the embryos meet the criteria for transfer.

This can be emotionally difficult.

The outcome may depend on the number of embryos created, the genetic condition involved, and the couple's reproductive goals.

The fertility and genetics teams may discuss possible options, which could include another IVF cycle, alternative reproductive approaches, or other family-building choices.

There is no single answer that applies to every couple.

Making Genetic Decisions With Better Information

Genetic concerns can make fertility treatment feel more complicated, but couples do not have to navigate these questions without guidance.

The first step is understanding the specific genetic risk. From there, appropriate counselling and testing can help determine whether IVF, preimplantation genetic testing, or another approach is relevant.

If you are looking for an IVF Centre Kozhikode because of a family history of an inherited condition or another genetic concern, discuss your medical and family history with a fertility specialist and, when appropriate, a genetics professional. At Dr. Aravind's IVF Fertility & Pregnancy Centre, couples can discuss fertility treatment options and understand how reproductive genetics may fit into their individual treatment plan.

A Best IVF specialist in Kerala should help couples understand not only what genetic testing can do, but also its limitations. The goal is to make informed reproductive decisions based on accurate information, appropriate testing, and realistic expectations.

When genetics becomes part of family planning, careful counselling before treatment can be just as important as the IVF procedure itself.

Book Your Appointment at Dr. Aravind's IVF Fertility & Pregnancy Centre:
https://www.draravindsivf.com/book-your-appointment

Contact Us
Dr. Aravind's IVF Fertility & Pregnancy Centre
No. 1118/A, Opp. Metromed Cardiac Hospital, Kannur Bypass, Palazhi, Kozhikode, Kerala - 673014
Phone: +91 90 2012 2012
Email: [email protected]

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IVF prevent a genetic condition?

IVF itself does not prevent genetic conditions. However, IVF combined with appropriate preimplantation genetic testing may help identify embryos that do not carry a specific genetic condition being tested for.

Does every couple with a genetic concern need PGT?

No. The need for PGT depends on the specific genetic risk and the results of genetic counselling and testing.

Is PGT-M the same as PGT-A?

No. PGT-M is generally used to assess embryos for specific single-gene disorders, while PGT-A evaluates chromosome number.

Can genetic testing guarantee a healthy baby?

No. Genetic testing can only assess the conditions it is designed to investigate. It cannot guarantee that a baby will have no health or developmental problems.

Should we have genetic counselling before IVF?

If there is a known genetic condition, significant family history, or previous genetic concern, genetic counselling can help clarify the risks and available options before treatment begins