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Did you know that genetic incompatibility in couples are the main cause of miscarriages in Spain?
At Vida Fertility, every week we see couples with a common story: several failed attempts to conceive, recurrent miscarriages and great uncertainty about why they are unable to get pregnant.
What many of these people discover is that there may be a mixed cause behind these difficulties: genetic alterations in the couple.
We spoke with Dr Katharina Spies, a gynaecologist specialising in complex cases and director of Vida Fertility Madrid, about the main cause of miscarriages in Spain: genetic alterations in the couple.
What are genetic incompatibility in the couple?
Genetic alterations refer to mutations or abnormalities present in the DNA of one or both members of the couple. Although in many cases these people are completely healthy, the genetic combination between the two can lead to non-viable embryos or embryos with serious diseases, causing implantation failures or early miscarriages.
‘I am seeing more and more couples coming to the clinic with a history of recurrent miscarriages or implantation failures. Genetic diagnosis is key to understanding what is happening and acting with the greatest possible medical precision,’ says Dr Spies.
How are these genetic incompatibility in couples detected? What compatibility tests are performed?
At Vida Fertility, we offer advanced genetic studies to assess the genetic compatibility between both members of the couple:
Analyses the structure and number of chromosomes. It allows the detection of translocations or other chromosomal alterations that may affect the embryo.
Genetic Compatibility Test (GCT)
Studies more than 400 genes to determine whether both members of the couple are carriers of recessive mutations in the same genes. This reduces the risk of transmitting hereditary diseases.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT)
- PGT-A: identifies embryos with chromosomal alterations.
- PGT-M: detects specific genetic diseases.
- PGT-SR: useful in cases of structural rearrangements.
These tests can detect diseases if a couple is a carrier of recessive mutations in the same genes. In addition, with these tools, we can select healthy embryos before transfer, improving success rates and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
What options are available for couples with genetic abnormalities?
In cases of possible genetic abnormalities, it is essential to carry out a thorough study to determine the best therapeutic protocol.
Today, there are medical options that allow couples with genetic disorders to have a healthy child:
- Gamete donation: This alternative is recommended when both partners are carriers of a recessive mutation in the same gene, or in cases of X-linked diseases. Choosing a genetically compatible donor can prevent the transmission of serious hereditary diseases.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT): Through this technique, it is possible to analyse embryos generated by in vitro fertilisation before they are transferred to the uterus. Depending on the case, the variants explained above, such as PGT-A, PGT-M or PGT-SR, are applied to identify specific chromosomal alterations or mutations.
- Medical genetics consultation: Advice from a specialised team is essential. At Vida Fertility, we analyse the genetic results, explain the risks and accompany the couple in choosing the most appropriate medical protocol for their case, because each patient requires a personalised assessment.
At Vida Fertility, you are not alone
If you have been unable to conceive for between 6 months and 1 year, have experienced miscarriages or have undergone several unsuccessful treatments, it may be time to investigate further.
At Vida Fertility, we want you to know that:
- It is not your fault.
- There are medical tools available to help you understand what is happening.
- You deserve personalised and attentive care.
‘If you find yourself in a similar situation and feel you need answers, you can request an initial private fertility consultation at our centres in Madrid or Alicante. We will be happy to listen to you and help you,’ concludes Dr Spies.
Do you have questions? We are here to help you.
Our multidisciplinary team is made up of specialists in genetics, embryology and advanced fertility. We can help you find a clear diagnosis and design a treatment tailored to your specific case.
FAQs about genetic incompatibility in couples
Is genetic incompatibility between couples common?
Dr Spies replies:
Yes. Although it is not always diagnosed in time, more and more studies show that genetic disorders are one of the main causes of miscarriages in Spain. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis can completely change the treatment approach.
Is miscarriage common?
Dr. Spies responds:
Spontaneous miscarriage affects approximately 20% of pregnancies, representing a very painful moment for those who wish to start a family.
One of the most important causes behind these pregnancy losses lies in genetic alterations, which can involve both chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos and recessive mutations shared by both parents.
Specialised clinics such as Vida Fertility recommend various genetic tests to detect possible risks and guide assisted reproduction treatments more effectively.
What genetic tests are performed at Vida Fertility?
Dr. Spies responds:
- Karyotype: analyses the structure and number of chromosomes to identify abnormalities.
- Genetic Compatibility Test (GCT): evaluates whether both partners share recessive mutations in the same genes, which would increase the likelihood of transmitting hereditary diseases.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT):
- PGT A: detects chromosomal aneuploidies.
- PGT M: identifies known monogenic diseases.
- PGT SR: detects chromosomal structural rearrangements, such as translocations, which could cause embryo failure.
These techniques allow healthy embryos to be selected before transfer to the uterus, significantly increasing the chances of success and reducing the risk of miscarriage, especially in situations of recurrent miscarriages or implantation failure.
Specialised genetic counselling is also essential. An expert medical team analyses the results of these tests, explains the associated risks and supports the couple in their decision-making, always with a personalised and transparent approach.
What types of diseases can genetic incompatibility testing detect?
Dr Spies responds:
Genetic compatibility testing can identify whether a couple shares recessive mutations in the same genes. This test analyses more than 600 hereditary genetic diseases, selected from among the most common of the more than 2,000 described with recessive inheritance.
Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, thalassaemia and phenylketonuria only develop if both parents pass on an altered copy of the same gene. In addition, this study also covers X-linked diseases, which have a different inheritance pattern and mainly affect males.
It is a key tool for preventing the transmission of serious genetic diseases to children and optimising decision-making during assisted reproduction treatment.
