Genetics in reproductive endocrinology and infertility

Fertil Steril. 2023 Sep;120(3 Pt 1):521-527. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.029. Epub 2023 Feb 26.

Abstract

Tremendous advances in genetics have transformed the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility over the last few decades. One of the most prominent advances is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which allows for the screening of embryos obtained during in vitro fertilization before transfer. Moreover, PGT can be performed for aneuploidy screening, detection of monogenic disorders, or exclusion of structural rearrangements. Refinement of biopsy techniques, such as obtaining samples at the blastocyst rather than the cleavage stage, has helped optimize results from PGT, and technological advances, including next-generation sequencing, have made PGT more efficient and accurate. The continued evolution of the approach to PGT has the potential to further enhance the accuracy of results, expand the application to other conditions, and increase access by reducing cost and improving efficiency.

Keywords: aneuploidy; genetics; monogenic disorder; preimplantation genetic testing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneuploidy
  • Blastocyst / pathology
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Humans
  • Infertility* / diagnosis
  • Infertility* / genetics
  • Infertility* / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Preimplantation Diagnosis* / methods