India’s leading Infertility Specialist, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai on the role of genetics in IVF success rates

Genetics plays a significant role in IVF success rates. Certain genetic factors can impact the quality of the eggs and sperm used in the IVF process, as well as the viability and development of the resulting embryos.

IVF specialists seek to understand how genetic factors can impact the quality and viability of embryos through genetic testing to identify and address potential issues that may affect the success of the IVF process.

Dr Hrishikesh Pai, one of the leading IVF doctor in India, states, "As an IVF specialist, I appreciate that we are now able to perform genetics testing, which plays a key role in improving the success rates of IVF. As a result, we are better equipped to improve our client's chances of a successful healthy pregnancy, which is very satisfactory."

He is also the Director of the Bloom IVF Group, which has its presence across India through eight IVF centres, including Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai and Fortis Hospitals in New Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Mohali and Navi Mumbai.

Chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs or sperm can lead to poor-quality embryos, which may not implant or result in a viable pregnancy. In some cases, the embryos can also inherit genetic disorders, increasing the risk of miscarriage or other complications.

Medical science has developed some genetic tests that help to identify potential issues that may impact IVF success rates. For example, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders.

Genes are an integral part of our cells which contain the instructions for the growth and function of the bodies. There are more than 20,000 genes in each person, and they are passed down from parents to their children. These genes determine our physical traits, such as height, eye color, and hair texture. It is possible that genes can undergo a change or mutation, which results in a genetic defect or genetic disorder.

Now, detecting mutations in single genes, i.e. monogenic diseases, in embryos before implantation during an IVF cycle is possible. Dr Pai highlights that detection of sickle cell anaemia, beta thalassemia, Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), cystic fibrosis (CF), Fragile X disease is possible before implanting the embryo.

Genetic disorders occur due to chromosome problems, which store the genes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one chromosome in each pair inherited from each parent. For example, down syndrome is a prevalent chromosomal condition. It occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two. Chromosome changes can be inherited from parents or spontaneously arise during cell development.

 It helps doctors to improve IVF success rates by identifying which embryos are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage or other complications. They do not use the embryos with the slightest risk in the IVF cycle.

The IVF specialists plant the healthiest embryos, improving the fertility cycle's success rate. Also, parents-to-be are aware of careers of genetic disorders and proceed only if there is less risk of passing on the disorders to their children.

About Dr Hrishikesh Pai

Dr Hrishikesh Pai is a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 30 years of experience in his field. He has a prominent reputation in reproductive medicine and is considered a leading authority in fertility treatments, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Dr Pai currently serves as the Medical Director at the Bloom IVF Group, one of India's largest chains of IVF clinics. He has also established several IVF clinics across India and has trained over 400 gynaecologists and embryologists in infertility and IVF.

He is a fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, and has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to the field of reproductive medicine. Dr Pai is also a member of various professional bodies, including the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction and the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India. In addition, Dr Pai has published numerous research papers in leading international journals and has presented his work at various national and international conferences.

Patients can contact Dr Pai at

Tel: 9820057722, 9820057722

E-mail: info@drhrishikeshpai.com