Polygenic embryo screening is an extra layer of genetic testing we can add to IVF. Instead of looking for illnesses and conditions caused by problems in one single gene (like sickle cell anemia or Tay Sachs) it looks for conditions caused by many genes together. By looking at groups of genes it can estimate each embryo’s chance of developing certain common conditions later in life, like heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, or certain brain and mental health conditions. It does not give a yes/no answer; it gives a risk estimate that helps us compare embryos. We can know which ones are at highest or lowest risks for things important to the parents.

Without polygenic screening, embryos are usually chosen based on basic lab grading by eye of how the embryo looks and grows in culture (morphology). Unfortunately these grades are very limited in what they can tell us – mainly odds of the embryo implanting and causing a pregnancy, but nothing about the health of the child. Some couples add PGT-A the basic embryo genetic screening which mainly identifies embryos not compatible with life (or major chromosomal disorders like Down’s syndrome). If there is a known family history of a single disease caused by one gene that can sometimes be screened for with a test called PGT-M. Some couples already choose also based on chromosomal sex of the embryo.

Typically, without PGT-P if more than one embryo looks similar the process used to select which to use is a completely random picking. In other words, we already choose the best-looking, chromosomally normal embryo. Polygenic screening, if you add it, changes how we rank embryos that are already in that top group. That’s why we say “From Chance to Choice.™”

In modern IVF there is already a lot of genetic screening before we ever talk about polygenic scores:

• Parents often have carrier screening to see if you both carry the same serious single-gene disease (like cystic fibrosis). This is recommended by us but NOT universally done. What’s more some panels screen for 10 diseases, some 100, some 600. As part of this advanced screening, we recommend Whole Genome Screnig which screens for over 2000 disorders.

• If there is a known inherited disease in the family, we can do PGT-M to avoid transferring embryos that have that exact condition.

• PGT-A can check embryos for missing or extra chromosomes (like Down syndrome or other aneuploidies).

Polygenic screening is different. It does not diagnose a specific disease. Instead, it estimates relative risk for complex, common conditions that are influenced by many genes plus lifestyle and environment. We use it alongside these existing tests, not instead of them.

Right now, most insurers consider polygenic embryo screening experimental and do not cover it. There are separate lab and coordination fees for the test on top of your IVF costs, and pricing can depend on how many embryos are tested and which lab is used.

Before you decide, we will give you a clear, written cost estimate and talk about how much benefit we realistically expect for your specific situation.

Your privacy is essential. Embryo and parental genetic data used for testing are handled under strict privacy and security standards. Lab results come back only to our clinic and to you.

We do not share your identifiable genetic data with employers, law enforcement, or commercial third parties. If any de-identified data are used for research or quality improvement, that will be explained in your consent forms, and you can ask questions before signing.

If you are curious about whether this makes sense for your family, the next step is a dedicated Polygenic Fertility consultation. This program review is not covered by insurance, but fees will be applied to your cycle f you move ahead with treatment. We will:

• Review your medical, fertility, and family history.

• Discuss your IVF plan and how many embryos you are likely to have.

• Explain what polygenic screening can and cannot do in your specific case.

• Go over costs, timing, and ethical questions.

Some families walk away feeling that polygenic testing is exactly what they want. Others decide that standard IVF and genetic screening are enough and will just try the old-fashioned way. Any decision can be the right one. Our role is to give you clear, honest information so you can make a choice you feel good about for your child and your family.