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A groundbreaking study led by King’s College London, published in August 2025, reveals that genetic testing of embryos during IVF (in vitro fertilization) can dramatically increase pregnancy success among women ages 35 to 42, helping them conceive more quickly and with fewer complications. This development arrives as more women choose to start families later in life, highlighting important advances in reproductive medicine.
Key Findings and Developments
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The study was the first randomized controlled trial focusing exclusively on women aged 35–42, a group facing higher risks of producing embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.
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Researchers compared two groups: one received standard IVF, while the other underwent IVF with PGT-A, a test that screens embryos for chromosomal issues before transfer.
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After up to three embryo transfers:
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PGT-A group: 72% cumulative live birth rate.
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Control group: 52% cumulative live birth rate.
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Women in the PGT-A group conceived in fewer IVF cycles, shortening time to pregnancy.
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This faster path to conception reduces the emotional distress and financial burden of repeated IVF attempts.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Yusuf Beebeejaun, King’s College London, explains, “The number of women starting their family above the age of 35 is increasing, and women in this age group are more likely to create embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes. This increases the risk of unsuccessful implantation and miscarriages. Our findings suggest that targeted use of PGT-A in this age group could help more women have a baby sooner, while also reducing the emotional toll of repeated unsuccessful cycles”.
Dr. Sesh Sunkara, co-author, adds, “While larger multi-centre trials are needed to confirm these findings, improving treatment efficiency with a shorter time to achieving pregnancy and live birth could reduce the physical and emotional burden of IVF for women of advanced reproductive age”.
Independent experts emphasize the need for further research. Dr. Gautam Allahbadia (Rotunda-The Center for Human Reproduction, Mumbai) notes that PGT-A, combined with embryo accumulation strategies, could enhance success rates for older women but stresses the importance of individualized counseling and outstanding laboratory protocols.
Context and Background
Women over 35 frequently face lower fertility due to increased rates of chromosomal abnormalities in their embryos, resulting in miscarriages and failed IVF cycles. Preimplantation genetic testing identifies viable embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, maximizing chances for healthy pregnancies.
Globally, IVF and related genetic screening are becoming more accessible, especially in countries like India where fertility treatments are growing among older women. While the biopsy to test embryos is generally considered safe, couples must weigh the benefits of higher success rates against cost and procedural risks.
Implications for Public Health
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For patients: Those aged 35 and above may benefit from discussing embryo genetic screening with healthcare providers to optimize their IVF outcomes.
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For clinics: Adoption of PGT-A offers a practical route to improve success rates and reduce the overall burden of IVF, but requires meticulous protocols and infrastructural investments.
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For policy makers: As family planning trends shift upward in age globally, public health strategies should consider integrating advanced genetic screening in reproductive medicine guidelines.
Limitations and Counterarguments
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The UK trial included only 100 women, necessitating larger multi-centre studies for broader validation.
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Cost remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption of PGT-A, especially in lower-resource settings.
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Not every patient may benefit equally; embryo quality, ovarian reserve, and individual medical history must be considered.
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Some studies show mixed outcomes on the overall efficacy of PGT-A due to selection bias, small sample sizes, and pooling clinical endpoints.
Practical Implications for Readers
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Women considering IVF at age 35 or older can consult their fertility specialist regarding the option and safety of PGT-A.
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While PGT-A can increase chances of a healthy pregnancy, individual risks, costs, and potential for procedural complications should be clearly explained before decision-making.
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
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