Genetic alterations

Genetic alterations can be caused by problems in both the genes and chromosomes of the embryo, and affect its ability to develop and implant in the womb. Learn more about them.

When the egg is fertilised by the sperm, 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father join together to form the 46 chromosomes that make up each cell of the embryo. The chromosomes, in turn, are made up of a number of genes, which, like the genes, are arranged in pairs, with one gene coming from the father and the other from the mother.

Causes

Chromosomal disorders can occur even when there is no family history, unlike disorders due to gene problems, which are inherited.

In order to develop into a healthy embryo, both the egg and the sperm need to have the right number of chromosomes. Otherwise, they can lead to chromosomally abnormal pregnancies and increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in the baby.

Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities are usually present in:

Couples with a family history of genetic disorders, who have had a child with a genetic disorder, with a medical history of 2 or more recurrent miscarriages or implantation failure after several cycles of In Vitro fertilization (IVF).

Women over 35 years of age.

Men with extremely low sperm count (less than one million sperm)

Men with azoospermia or absence of sperm in the ejaculate