CCRM FERTILITY CLINICS IN DELAWARE
Genetic counseling in Delaware
Genetic counseling is a very important part of both preconception and prenatal care. The role of a genetic counselor is to assess genetic risks for a couple and provide education and support for couples considering genetic testing. Counseling sessions typically involve reviewing a couple’s complete family medical history and discussing genetic testing options. Understanding a couple’s risk for passing on genetic diseases or for the pregnancy to be affected with chromosome abnormalities can greatly enhance patient outcomes.
Delaware Fertility Specialists
What about preimplantation genetic counseling (PGT)?
For patients pursuing IVF, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can significantly improve pregnancy rates by identifying embryos that are genetically and chromosomally normal. PGT involves removing several cells from each embryo and analyzing the chromosomes for abnormalities, which could result in failed implantation, miscarriage, or genetic conditions or diseases. PGT is performed on embryos created through IVF and takes place before the embryos are transferred to the uterus.
CCRM Fertility of Delaware IVF timeline with PGT week-by-week breakdown
At our Dover and Newark fertility clinics, the IVF with PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) timeline works to select chromosomally normal embryos, ultimately increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Below, we outline the step-by-step process of in vitro fertilization, including genetic testing of embryos before implantation.
The full IVF timeline with PGT takes approximately 10-12 weeks, not including pre-treatment preparation.
Estimated timeline overview:
| IVF Stage | Estimated Duration |
| Initial Consultation & Pre-Treatment | 2-4 weeks |
| Ovarian Stimulation | 10-14 days |
| Egg Retrieval & Fertilization | 1-2 days |
| Embryo Culture & PGT Biopsy | 5-7 days |
| PGT Testing & Embryo Freezing | 7-14 days |
| Endometrial Preparation | 2-4 weeks |
| Frozen Embryo Transfer | 1 day |
| Pregnancy Test | 10-12 days after transfer |
Step 1: Initial consultation & pre-treatment testing (week 1-4)
Meet with a fertility specialist to discuss medical history and treatment options.
- Perform essential fertility tests:
- Ovarian reserve assessment (AMH, FSH, Estradiol).
- Ultrasound scan for antral follicle count
- Semen analysis (for male partner)
- Genetic carrier screening (if necessary)
- Start birth control pills (optional) to regulate the cycle before IVF
Step 2: Ovarian stimulation (week 5-7)
Duration: 10-14 days
- Begin hormone injections (FSH, LH) to stimulate egg production
- Regular ultrasounds & blood tests to monitor follicle growth
- Once follicles reach 18-22mm, administer the trigger shot (hCG/Lupron) to mature eggs
Step 3: Egg retrieval procedure (week 7-8)
- 36 hours after trigger shot, eggs are retrieved under sedation
- Same-day sperm collection for fertilization via ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or standard IVF
- Rest for 1-2 days after the procedure
Step 4: Fertilization & embryo culture (week 8)
- Eggs are fertilized in the lab and monitored for 5-7 days until they reach the blastocyst stage
- Embryologists evaluate embryo quality for transfer or freezing
Step 5: PGT biopsy & embryo freezing (week 8-9)
- On Day 5, 6, or 7, embryos undergo PGT for genetic screening
- Embryo freezing (vitrification) occurs while waiting for PGT results (typically 7-14 days)
Types of PGT:
- PGT-A (Aneuploidy): Detects chromosomal abnormalities
- PGT-M (Monogenic Disorders): Screens for inherited genetic conditions
- PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements): Identifies translocations or inversions
Step 6: Preparing for frozen embryo transfer (week 10-12)
- Begin uterine preparation with estrogen & progesterone to optimize the endometrial lining
- Monitor lining thickness via ultrasound scans
- Once the lining reaches ≥7mm, schedule embryo transfer
Step 7: Frozen embryo transfer procedure (week 12-13)
- Thaw and transfer a PGT-tested embryo into the uterus using a thin catheter
- The procedure is quick and painless, performed by a provider under ultrasound guidance
- Continue taking progesterone support medications after the transfer
Step 8: Pregnancy test & early monitoring (week 14)
- 10-12 days after embryo transfer, take a blood test (β-hCG) to confirm pregnancy
- If positive, continue early pregnancy monitoring via ultrasounds at 6-7 weeks to check for a fetal heartbeat and growth
The cost of preimplantation genetic testing in Delaware
The cost of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in Delaware can vary depending on several factors, including the type of PGT being performed, the number of embryos being tested, and any additional services or medications required. At CCRM Fertility, the cost of IVF with PGT testing ranges from $17,100 – $23,950.
Delaware locations
Phone: (302) 602-8822
Fax: (302) 602-8832
Phone: (302) 602-8822 | Fax: (302) 602-8832
CCRM Fertility of Dover
Eden Hill Medical Center, 200 Banning Street, Suite 240
Dover, DE 19904
Hours
Monday-Friday: 7:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Friday: 7:00am – 12:00pm
CCRM Fertility of Newark
4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road, MAP 2, Suite 3217
Newark, DE 19713
Hours
Monday-Friday: 7:00am – 4:30pm