PGD Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

What Is It: Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a genetic testing procedure performed on embryos created with IVF by examining an embryo for a specific genetic mutations known to cause serious diseases.

Why: Increasing the probability of choosing a genetically normal embryo and accordingly the probability of a healthy pregnancy in couples with chromosome breaks and number problems.

How: PGD involves the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Eggs are obtained and fertilized through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Once fertilised, the embryos develop for 5-6 days and then a number of cells are removed from each embryo. The genetic material (DNA or chromosomes) within these cells of the embryo is then tested for the genetic or chromosomal abnormality. An unaffected embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus to implant. If successful, the procedure will result in pregnancy and the child should not be affected by the condition for which it was tested.

How much does it cost: PGD test procedure is as low as 200EU.

Outcome:

• Selected embryos that do not have a known genetic disorder.
• Increased chances of successful pregnancy.
• Reducing the risk of pregnancy resulting in abortion (miscarriage).
• Reducing the need for medical termination of pregnancy.

Details: IVF treatments for severe male infertility have a higher miscarriage rate. Since embryo selection with PGD reduces the miscarriage rate, it increases the success in those with severe sperm problems and in cases where sperm are obtained by procedures such as TESE and TESA due to azoospermia.