Every April 25, DNA Day is observed—a date that recognizes one of the most important scientific discoveries in history: the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid, better known as DNA.
Beyond its scientific relevance, DNA has a direct impact on something much closer: how your body functions. From physical traits to complex processes like metabolism, the immune system, and reproduction, everything is influenced by the genetic information present in every cell.
In the context of fertility, understanding DNA is not abstract or distant. It is a key tool for understanding why certain things happen—and why, in some cases, achieving a pregnancy can be more complex than expected.
DNA: the foundation of everything happening in your body
DNA is the genetic material that contains the instructions for how your body works. It is present in almost every cell and organizes the information needed for each process to occur properly.
Within this information are genes, which determine how specific functions develop—from hormone production to how cells divide or respond to different stimuli.
From a reproductive perspective, DNA plays a fundamental role from the very beginning. Both the egg and the sperm contribute genetic information that, when combined, forms an embryo. This embryo will have 23 pairs of chromosomes containing all the information necessary for development.
However, for this process to occur correctly, that genetic information must be properly organized.
When genetic information changes the outcome
One of the most important—and least visible—factors in fertility is the genetic integrity of embryos.
Not all embryos carry the same genetic load. Some may present alterations in the number or structure of their chromosomes, known as chromosomal abnormalities.
These alterations can prevent pregnancy from occurring or lead to early pregnancy loss, even when everything appears to be “normal.”
In fact, a significant proportion of human embryos have some type of chromosomal abnormality, especially as maternal age increases.
This is not something that can be detected visually. An embryo may appear morphologically normal in the lab and still lack the potential to develop properly due to its genetic composition.
That is why DNA has become a key element in understanding why some attempts do not result as expected.
Genetics and age: a relationship that matters
One of the factors that most influences the genetic quality of embryos is age, particularly in women.
Over time, the cellular mechanisms responsible for correctly dividing chromosomes during egg formation can become less efficient. This increases the likelihood of errors in genetic distribution.
The result is a higher proportion of embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.
This does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but it does mean that probabilities change. It also explains why, in some cases, more attempts are needed to achieve an ongoing pregnancy.
It is important to understand that age affects not only the number of eggs, but also their genetic quality.
The role of DNA in embryo selection
One of the most important advances in assisted reproduction has been the ability to analyze the genetic information of embryos before transferring them to the uterus.
Through tests such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A), it is possible to evaluate whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. This allows specialists to identify which embryos have a higher probability of implanting and developing properly.
These tools do not change the genetics of embryos, but they do allow for more informed decision-making.
Instead of selecting embryos based only on appearance, genetic information can now be integrated to choose those with the highest potential.
This can translate into:
- fewer failed attempts,
- a lower risk of pregnancy loss,
- and greater efficiency in treatment.
Beyond the embryo: genetics and reproductive health
DNA does not only influence embryos. It can also be related to the reproductive health of individuals trying to conceive.
There are genetic conditions that can affect ovarian function, sperm production, or the way the body responds during the reproductive process.
In some cases, there may also be inherited mutations that, while not directly affecting fertility, can be passed on to future children.
This is where genetics plays a preventive role. Understanding this information allows for more informed decisions, both in terms of treatment and family planning.
When the problem isn’t visible: the value of understanding DNA
One of the most complex aspects of infertility is that, in many cases, there is no obvious cause.
Basic tests may fall within normal ranges, and yet pregnancy does not occur.
In these scenarios, DNA can provide answers that were previously unavailable. Analyzing genetic information allows specialists to go beyond what is visible and identify factors that standard tests cannot detect.
This has changed the way many cases are approached, especially those with multiple unsuccessful attempts.
Ingenes: integrating genetics to make better decisions
At Ingenes, genetics is not seen as an add-on, but as a fundamental part of understanding fertility.
The approach involves integrating genetic information with other levels of the reproductive process, such as metabolic status, egg quality, and endometrial preparation.
This allows for a more comprehensive view of each case and more precise strategies.
The goal is not to perform tests routinely, but to use them when they provide meaningful information that can change outcomes.
Because when what is happening at the genetic level is understood, decisions stop being intuitive—and become strategic.
The true meaning of DNA Day
DNA Day (April 25) is not just about remembering a scientific discovery. It is an opportunity to recognize how that information plays a role in real-life decisions.
In fertility, DNA can make the difference between not knowing what is happening and beginning to understand it.
It can explain why some attempts fail.
It can help guide the next step.
And it can open possibilities that were not visible before.
Conclusion
Genetics is not a distant or purely scientific concept. It is an essential part of how your body works—and what is possible.
On the path to having a baby, understanding DNA can completely change how decisions are made.
It is not about making things more complex, but about making them clearer.
If you have experienced unsuccessful attempts or simply want to better understand your fertility, genetic information can be a different starting point.
At Ingenes, we integrate genetics as part of a comprehensive approach, because we know that when information is more precise, possibilities become clearer.And in many cases, that difference is what allows you to move forward toward what you are looking for: having a baby.