Staggered IVF With PGS/PGT: A Major Breakthrough in the Treatment of Older Women and Those with Diminished Ovarian Reserve

“Staggered (ST) IVF refers to the process whereby embryos are intentionally frozen and cryobanked for elective transfer to the uterus in a subsequent cycle”.

Doctors often start with less invasive treatments for women over 40 who have patent fallopian tubes before considering IVF. They prescribe fertility drugs and may try artificial insemination. The reason is that IVF is more expensive, but it’s also more likely to lead to a successful live birth. When we think about the true cost of having a baby, IVF can actually be a more cost-effective choice.

Fertility Risks Associated with Aging

IVF has proven to be far more successful than other treatments, regardless of a woman’s age or the cause of infertility. For example, for women under 35 with healthy tubes and a fertile partner, the chance of having a baby through IUI is less than 15% per attempt. But with IVF, the chances rise to about 40-45%. This difference becomes even more significant as a woman gets older. For women in their mid-40s, the chance of success with IUI drops to less than 3%, while IVF offers a 10-15% chance.

This doesn’t mean all women with healthy tubes and fertile partners should choose IVF over other options. However, for women in their 40s or those with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), time is precious, and IVF may be the best choice. As a woman ages, the risk of miscarriage and having a chromosomally abnormal baby, increases. At age 30, the risk of miscarriage is about 15%, and the chance of having a baby with Down syndrome is less than 1 in 1000. But in the mid-40s, the risk of miscarriage exceeds 40%, and the chance of having a baby with Down syndrome becomes 1 in 60-80.

How Staggered IVF and PGS/PGT Improve Pregnancy Success Rates

Staggered IVF and Preimplantation Genetic Sampling/Testing (PGS/PGT) with/without Embryo Banking offers real hope to older infertile women and those with DOR, as an alternative to IVF or egg donation. It involves multiple IVF procedures, biopsy of potentially viable embryos for PGS, cryobanking the embryos until several blastocysts have been collected, and then conducting genetic testing using Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS). Once the PGS/PGT results are known, the woman can return in a subsequent cycle for the transfer of up to two PGS vs PGT-normal embryos to her uterus. Embryo banking with Staggered IVF and selective transfer of chromosomally healthy embryos greatly improves the success rate per embryo transferred, reaching as high as 50%. It also reduces the risk of miscarriage by 5-6 times and minimizes the chance of having a baby with chromosomal birth defects like Down syndrome.

As a woman ages, the competency of her eggs declines rapidly, resulting in diminished ovarian reserve. This reduces fertility, increases the risk of miscarriage, and raises the likelihood of chromosomal birth defects. IVF maximizes the number of available eggs and allows for genetic testing of resulting embryos, improving outcomes. Staggered IVF, Embryo Banking, and PGS/PGT are excellent tools that enhance pregnancy rates, reduce miscarriage risks, and minimize the chance of chromosomal birth defects.

Who Should Consider Staggered IVF with PGS/PGT?

We strongly recommend this approach for women undergoing IVF in the following situations:

  • Older women (>39y),
  • Women who (regardless of age) have DOR,
  • Women with known transmittable genetic defects
  • Chromosomal testing for gender selection,
  • Women with recurrent pregnancy loss and
  • Those with unexplained IVF failure.

Embryo Banking with Staggered IVF and PGS/PGT

Embryo banking with staggered IVF and PGS/PGT represents a major breakthrough in the field of Assisted Reproduction, one that offers hope primarily to older infertile women and those with diminished ovarian reserve. This method involves multiple IVF procedures, genetic testing of embryos, and cryobanking until several viable embryos are collected. By transferring only chromosomally healthy embryos, the success rate per embryo transferred can reach as high as 50%, significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal birth defects. For women facing the challenges of advancing age and diminished ovarian reserve, this advanced IVF technique provides an inspiring opportunity to improve pregnancy rates, minimize risks, and increase the chance of a healthy baby.

With breakthrough strategies like Staggered IVF and PGS/PGT, we’re providing renewed hope for older women and those with diminished ovarian reserves. If you’re over 39, have diminished ovarian reserve, have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, or have faced unexplained IVF failure, now is the time to consider our cutting-edge Staggered IVF treatment with PGS/PGT. With up to 50% success rates per embryo transferred and significantly minimized risks, this could be your path to welcoming a healthy baby into your life. Get in touch with us at Sher Fertility Solutions today and let’s walk this journey together.