Preimplantation

Diagnosis PGD

What is
PGD?


Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a specialized procedure used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted into the uterus. This cutting-edge technology allows prospective parents to increase the chances of having a healthy baby by selecting embryos free of specific genetic conditions.
PGD is particularly beneficial for couples at risk of passing on genetic disorders. By examining the embryos before pregnancy begins, PGD offers a proactive approach to preventing genetic diseases.

When is PGD recommended?


PGD is recommended in several scenarios, including:

– Known Genetic Disorders: Couples with a history of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, or sickle cell anemia.
– Chromosomal Abnormalities: Families with a risk of chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.
– Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Women who have experienced multiple miscarriages due to chromosomal issues.
– Previous Affected Child: Parents who have previously had a child with a genetic disorder and wish to avoid recurrence.
– Advanced Maternal Age: Women over the age of 35, where the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases.

PGD provides peace of mind for these couples by significantly reducing the risk of passing on hereditary conditions.

How is PGD
Implemented?


PGD is a part of the IVF process and involves several meticulous steps to ensure the accuracy and safety of the procedure.
Here’s a detailed look at the five main steps:

1.Ovarian Stimulation

The process begins with ovarian stimulation, where the woman receives hormone treatments to produce multiple eggs. This step ensures that there are enough eggs available for fertilization and subsequent genetic testing.

2.Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration, which is guided by ultrasound. This procedure is typically performed under mild sedation.

3.Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. This can be done through conventional insemination, where eggs and sperm are mixed together, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. The fertilized eggs, now embryos, are then cultured in a controlled environment for several days.

4.Embryo Development

During the next few days, the embryos grow and divide, reaching the blastocyst stage by day 5 or 6. At this stage, the embryos have developed enough cells to perform a biopsy safely, which is critical for the genetic testing process.

5.Embryo Biopsy

A few cells are carefully removed from each blastocyst-stage embryo in a procedure called a biopsy. The biopsied cells undergo rigorous genetic testing to check for specific genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and
next-generation sequencing (NGS)
are used for precise analysis.

6.Embryo Transfer

Based on the genetic test results, the healthiest embryos are chosen for transfer into the woman’s uterus.
This procedure is straightforward and similar to a routine Pap smear. Once the embryo is placed in the uterus, it is hoped that it will implant and develop into a healthy pregnancy. Approximately two weeks after the transfer,
a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm successful implantation.

Conclusion


Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a remarkable advancement in reproductive medicine, providing couples with the assurance of having a healthy baby. By integrating PGD into the IVF process, potential genetic issues can be identified and avoided, leading to healthier pregnancies and babies. If you are at risk of genetic disorders or have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, PGD might be the right option for you.
At our clinic, we are committed to offering the highest standards of care and the latest in reproductive technology. Contact us to learn more about PGD and how it can help you achieve your dream of a healthy family.