Karyotype testing is a process that should be done for infertile couples so that the doctor can find the root of the issue. If a couple is struggling to conceive and is getting ready for IVF treatment, then the couple might be suggested karyotype testing before the treatment begins.
Genetic karyotyping is also done for chromosome analysis, and this is done to understand the mutations or chromosomal anomalies that could be behind the infertility that the couple experience. After karyotyping, it is also possible that the couple finds out there are no chromosomal problems, and the problem is something else. When the karyotype is the problem, the doctor conducts further tests to find out how to solve the problem and help you have a child.
Who needs a karyotype test to be done?
A normal karyotype should have a normal number of chromosomes. The karyotype test is done for couples who are unable to conceive or face problems during the early stages of pregnancy. Early pregnancy losses can be very difficult for a couple. If you have been facing early pregnancy losses for quite some time, it is important to get karyotype testing done for you and your partner.
Sometimes, these early pregnancy losses can come across as a delay in conception and often go undetected. So, the couple might not be aware of their problems and the actual reason. The actual reason for the loss could be chromosomal abnormalities that are difficult to trace unless you are getting a karyotype test done. These karyotype problems often arise in couples who are trying to conceive for a second time and are failing to do so. Therefore, the secondary infertility cases that come to us often get recommended by the karyotype test.
Karyotype problems can be responsible for failure in IVF treatment. Usually, people who face minor infertility problems get pregnant through the IVF process. However, if, after all the steps of IVF, you are not conceiving, that indicates that there is an underlying and deep problem. The karyotyping test is done to assess the chromosomes so that the problem can be treated and the issues are resolved before ensuring a proper pregnancy for you. Any type of karyotype abnormality in your cells can lead to either pregnancy loss or a range of birth defects in the child. Therefore, we take karyotyping very seriously for our patients.
How long does a karyotype test take to be completed?
The karyotype test is done from cultured white blood cells, and the karyotypes are extracted from it. The cells are grown for an advanced cell division test, and then the karyotype is extracted to remove the chromosomes and test them out. The analysis process takes a few weeks, and we take care of it so that you get accurate results. Sometimes, the karyotype test results can take up to a month to find and accurately report. After completing the karyotyping, we inform the couple about the results and allow them to take them to the doctor so he can help with the IVF process.
The need for a karyotype test
Genetic karyotyping is done in the following cases to find out the abnormalities that trigger the problem. For example, the couple is asked to get karyotyping done when they are unable to conceive naturally for about a year. If they have tried for the last year and are otherwise healthy but cannot conceive, then they might have early pregnancy loss because of chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities might occur due to the lack of balanced translocation.
The same test is also suggested for couples who have experienced two or more miscarriages consecutively and within a very short duration. If they have been miscarrying, that means that the partner is unable to implant the child properly. Problems in implantation can arise when there are genetic defects, and the mother is unable to support the developing child.
If the embryo is defective, it can also face early pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Frequent miscarriages are not good for the mother’s health, and you need to go to your gynaecologist and get a karyotype test done. After the results of the karyotype test, the doctor will interpret the results and treat the couple to help them manage their next pregnancy.
The Karyotype test is also done for stillborn babies. Stillborn births happen for many reasons, and the same could be because of chromosomal abnormalities. The chromosomal abnormalities need to be found out so the couple can undergo treatment and focus on birthing a healthy baby. However, in many cases, the stillborn birth happens because of other factors and not because of chromosomal defects.
Sometimes, people accuse the mother of the loss of a pregnancy or the inability to conceive. However, the inability to conceive could be a problem from the male side. When the male lacks any sperm in his semen or suffers from low sperm count, the couple needs to check for karyotype defects and abnormalities in the xy male chromosome set.
The sperm count could be less because of the inability of the testes to generate sperm. This could be stemming from a genetic defect in the male partner due to infertility and abnormal karyotype. The male partner then needs to be treated for azoospermia before they can try for a baby.
If the female is suffering from ovarian insufficiency or the lack of oocytes because of age or genetic defect, the doctor also suggests a Karyotyping test. The xx female karyotype test often tracks down the chromosome that causes the insufficiency and helps treat the problem or find a solution to the failure in conception. After a complete karyotyping test, the doctor will suggest the treatment and help you treat the problem.
Conclusion
The use of karyotyping tests is prevalent for genetic counselling before the IVF treatment. If you have a record of infertility as a couple, the doctor will suggest a karyotype test. Earlier, karyotype tests were not possible, but today, because of advanced tools and imaging, we can do karyotype tests for both partners. At Agilus Diagnostics, you can get tested for infertility and opt for karyotype testing. We offer reasonable test packages and accurate results to our patients.
