What is IVF Plus (IVF+)?

IVF Plus (IVF+) represents a sophisticated evolution in assisted reproductive technology, elevating the standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol by integrating preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for superior clinical precision. Unlike traditional IVF, which relies heavily on morphological assessment, selecting embryos based solely on their physical appearance and growth patterns, IVF Plus employs advanced genomic analysis to evaluate biological viability at the chromosomal level.

This distinction is critical, as even embryos that appear visually perfect under a microscope may carry invisible genetic anomalies that natural biological barriers would prevent from implanting. By proactively screening for these chromosomal irregularities before transfer, IVF Plus effectively bypasses the primary cause of cycle failure, ensuring that only embryos with the highest potential for development are selected. The result is a more targeted treatment pathway designed to maximize pregnancy success rates, significantly reduce the risk of miscarriage, and provide prospective parents with greater confidence in achieving a healthy live birth.

How IVF Plus Differs from Standard IVF?

The fundamental distinction between these two approaches lies in the methodology used to select the optimal embryo for transfer:

• Standard IVF: Embryos are typically selected for transfer based on their physical growth and "grading" in the laboratory.
• IVF Plus: Adds a layer of genetic diagnostic screening to the standard cycle. This involves biopsying a few cells from the embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6) to analyze its chromosomal health before implantation.
  

What are the Primary Benefits and Success Factors?

By prioritizing genetic health, IVF Plus offers significant advantages over traditional methods. The following table outlines the key benefits, including the enhanced clinical outcomes and additional safety factors introduced by genetic screening.

• Higher Pregnancy Success Rates: Selecting genetically normal (euploid) embryos significantly improves the chances that the embryo will implant successfully and develop into a healthy baby.
• Reduced Risk of Miscarriage: Since chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of early pregnancy loss, screening these out beforehand drastically lowers the miscarriage rate, particularly for women over 35.
• Shorter Time to Pregnancy: With a higher success rate per transfer, patients often need fewer cycles and fewer transfer attempts to achieve a live birth, saving valuable time.
• Prevention of Inherited Diseases: Specialized testing (PGT-M) allows the clinic to screen for specific genetic disorders carried by the parents, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, ensuring the child is unaffected.
• Safer Pregnancy (Single Embryo Transfer): Because confidence in the embryo is higher, doctors can transfer just one embryo at a time. This avoids the high risks associated with twins or triplets while maintaining high success rates.
• Diagnostic Clarity:For patients with unexplained infertility or repeated IVF failures, the test results provide answers. Knowing whether the embryos are genetically normal helps doctors understand if the issue lies with egg quality or other factors.
• Reduced Emotional Stress: By minimizing the number of failed transfers and miscarriages, patients face less of the emotional "rollercoaster" associated with repeated negative outcomes.

Who Should Consider IVF Plus?

While any patient can opt for these advanced screenings, IVF Plus is particularly indicated for:

• Women of advanced maternal age (typically over 35 or 37), as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases significantly with age.
• Couples who have a history of recurrent miscarriages are also eligible for IVF Plus.
• Individuals who have experienced multiple failed standard IVF cycles.
• Patients with known family histories of genetic disorders or structural chromosomal rearrangements are also eligible for IVF Plus.

Is IVF Plus More Successful Than Standard IVF?

Yes, for many patients. While standard IVF typically sees success rates of roughly 45% to 50% per transfer, patients who utilize advanced genetic screening (IVF Plus) often achieve a higher success ratio of 65% to 70% per transfer. This improvement occurs because the protocol ensures that only embryos with the correct number of chromosomes are selected. These genetically balanced embryos are significantly more likely to implant successfully and develop into a healthy pregnancy.

Is The Embryo Biopsy Safe?

Yes. The biopsy is performed on the outer layer of the embryo (the trophectoderm), which later forms the placenta. The inner cell mass that develops into the baby remains untouched. While any biopsy carries a small risk of damage (rare in skilled hands), the procedure is highly accurate, with a 95% to 99% precision rate.

How Long Does it Take To Get The Genetic Results?

The biopsy is usually performed on day 5 or 6 of embryo development, and lab results typically take about one week. Because of this timeline, embryos are frozen (vitrified) while waiting for results, and the transfer occurs in a later cycle.

Who is The Best Candidate for IVF Plus?

This protocol is highly recommended for:

• Women over age 35, as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases significantly with age.
• Couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages.
• Couples who have experienced multiple failed standard IVF cycles.
• Those with a known family history of genetic disorders.

Are There Specific Long-Term Health Risks?

• Cardiovascular: A potential for higher blood pressure or suboptimal cardiovascular function in some IVF singletons.
• Birth Weight: IVF singletons have a higher risk of being born with low birth weight or being born prematurely.
• Growth and Metabolism: Some studies have noted minor increases in total body fat composition or elevated fasting glucose levels.

What Life-threatening Diseases Can be Identified?

IVF Plus can screen for more than 10,000 monogenic disorders caused by single gene mutations. Frequently screened life-threatening conditions include: 

• Blood Disorders: Thalassemia major and Sickle cell anemia.
• Neurological Disorders: Huntington’s disease and Fragile-X syndrome.
• Degenerative Conditions: Muscular dystrophy (including Duchenne) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
• Metabolic Disorders: Tay-Sachs disease and Cystic fibrosis. 

Can IVF Plus Identify Cancer-causing Genes?

Yes. IVF Plus protocols using PGT-M (for monogenic or single-gene disorders) can specifically screen embryos for hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. The most common applications include: 

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
• Lynch Syndrome: Linked to bowel (colorectal), endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: A rare disorder that increases the risk of multiple cancers, including breast cancer, brain tumors, and leukemia.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): Causes hundreds or thousands of polyps in the colon with a high risk of developing into colorectal cancer.
• Other Cancers: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (schwannomas), Retinoblastoma (retinal tumors), and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN1 and MEN2)

Can I Choose the Gender of My Baby With This Testing?

Technically, yes. Because the genetic screening used in IVF Plus analyzes the chromosomal makeup of each embryo, it inherently identifies the sex chromosomes (XX or XY). However, whether you are actually permitted to select an embryo based on its gender depends entirely on the legal and ethical regulations in your location. In many regions, gender selection is restricted solely to medical reasons (to prevent passing on sex-linked genetic disorders), while other jurisdictions may allow it for "family balancing" or prohibit it for non-medical purposes altogether.

Can Genetic Diseases Be "Fixed" During the IVF Plus Process? 

Currently, the standard medical practice for IVF Plus is selection, not correction. This means embryos carrying a mutation are identified and usually discarded or not transferred, while only healthy, unaffected embryos are selected for implantation. 

However, experimental technologies are emerging:

• CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing: Researchers have successfully used CRISPR to "fix" mutations in embryos in lab settings for example, removing mutations for a specific heart condition, but this is not yet a routine or widely legal clinical procedure.
• Germline Gene Editing: This remains controversial and is largely restricted due to legal and ethical concerns regarding permanent changes that could be passed to future generations.
• Saviour Siblings: IVF Plus can be used to select an embryo that is both free of a familial disease and a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) match for an existing sick sibling. This allows the new child to eventually donate life-saving stem cells (from umbilical cord blood or bone marrow) to cure the affected sibling. 

Is Infertility Hereditary in IVF Babies?

Research indicates that the reproductive health of children born through IVF is generally comparable to those conceived naturally, and many have successfully gone on to conceive their own children without assistance. However, if the parents' infertility was caused by a specific genetic condition (such as Y-chromosome microdeletions in men), there is a possibility this trait could be passed down to their offspring. In these specific cases, genetic counseling and testing (like PGT) can help assess and manage potential risks.

How Much Extra Does IVF Plus Cost?

According to FertilityIn's cost analysis and research, in the United States, the cost of genetic screening (PGT-A) is an additional expense on top of the standard IVF cycle fees.

• Genetic Testing (IVF Plus) Cost: PGT-A typically adds between $3,000 and $7,000 per cycle. This fee generally covers the biopsy of the embryos and the laboratory analysis.
• Total Cycle Cost: A full IVF cycle with genetic screening in the US usually ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 (including medications and clinic fees).

Note: Costs are approximate and can vary significantly by clinic, region, and country due to local regulations, currency rates, and specific treatment needs. Always confirm detailed pricing directly with your fertility provider.

Conclusion

IVF Plus represents a significant leap forward in reproductive medicine, moving beyond the "wait and see" approach of traditional IVF to a model based on precision and genetic insight. By integrating advanced Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), this protocol empowers patients and clinicians to make informed decisions before a pregnancy even begins.

For individuals facing the heartbreak of recurrent loss, advanced age, or hereditary conditions, IVF Plus offers more than just a medical procedure it offers a clearer path to parenthood. While it involves additional costs and steps, the potential for higher success rates, reduced miscarriage risks, and the prevention of severe genetic diseases makes it a transformative option for many families. Ultimately, IVF Plus shifts the focus from simply achieving a pregnancy to ensuring the healthiest possible start for the next generation.