Spontaneous Conception during In Vitro Fertilization prior to Embryo Transfer without the Opportunity for...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Genetics
• Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) aims to assist conception and allows for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
• PGT enables screening of embryos for aneuploidy, single gene disorders, and sex selection.
• Frozen embryo transfer is a common strategy following PGT.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing IVF intended to use frozen embryo transfer after PGT.
• Unprotected intercourse occurred six days before oocyte retrieval.
• A spontaneous pregnancy resulted before the planned embryo transfer.

Findings:

• Spontaneous conception during an IVF cycle can occur unexpectedly.
• This unintended pregnancy bypasses the IVF process, including PGT.
• The opportunity to transfer genetically tested embryos is lost.

Implications:

• Spontaneous conception compromises the ability to transfer euploid embryos.
• It prevents the transfer of embryos unaffected by specific genetic conditions.
• Desired family balancing through sex selection via PGT is precluded.