Whether they’ve been trying to get pregnant for years or have simply waited until the “perfect moment,” some women may find their chances of having a successful pregnancy are dwindling due to age or infertility. Though struggling with infertility and the fear of miscarriage may prove overwhelming and stressful, women facing these problems can take solace knowing modern reproductive medicine can help them ensure their pregnancy is healthy and improve their chances of bringing a healthy baby to term. Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) is one of the modern tools fertility specialists are utilizing to help women start their happy, healthy family regardless of age or reproductive diagnoses.
What is Comprehensive Chromosome Screening?
During an in vitro fertilization procedure, a patient may have the option to also undergo CCS in tandem. CCS is a fertility process in which multiple blastocysts are cultivated in the lab and tested for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. Patients who want to do everything in their power to ensure a healthy pregnancy can trust that not only is their implantation more likely to be successful, but also that the CCS-tested embryo will have a significantly reduced chance of developing into multiples or inheriting chromosomal disorders, including Down syndrome.
How Does Comprehensive Chromosome Screening Work?
Once a zygote is cultivated, fertility experts will grow it within a sterile lab environment into a days-old embryo. When the embryo is of proper size and age, it may then be tested for chromosomal abnormalities. The lab technician will remove a small sample of cells from the embryo for a chromosomal evaluation. This exam may take some time, so the embryos are then cryopreserved to prevent additional growth before implantation.
CCRM’s embryologists analyze chromosomes in the cell samples to identify cells with too many, too few chromosomes, which may lead to miscarriage or the failure to implant. While CCS is being performed, the patient’s hormone levels stimulated by the extraction of an egg from the ovaries have time to return to normal, providing the embryo an ideal implantation environment. Once the embryo has been confirmed to possess perfect chromosomal health, it may then be implanted into the patient.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates?
Although CCS is a wonderful option for patients who wish to ensure their pregnancies are healthy and viable, the procedure is usually only recommended for women who possess certain characteristics. The ideal candidate for CCS is a woman who:
- Is 35 years or older
- Has had multiple early pregnancy terminations
- Has had previous pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities
- Has had multiple failed IVF treatments
Discover Your Happy, Healthy Family with CCRM
Don’t let infertility stop you from having the family of your dreams! At CCRM, our renowned fertility experts will provide the compassionate, knowledgeable care you deserve in an effort to foster a healthy pregnancy. Contact us online or call 844-539-0628 to schedule an appointment or talk with one of our fertility professionals about your treatment options.
