Choosing Healthy Embryos with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

What is PGD?

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a cutting-edge technique used in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to assess the genetic health of embryos before implantation. This helps couples increase their chances of a healthy pregnancy and avoid the potential heartache of carrying a pregnancy affected by a known genetic condition.

How does PGD work?

IVF Cycle: Embryos are created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory setting.

Embryo Biopsy: At an early stage, a few cells (blastomeres) are carefully removed from each embryo for genetic analysis.

Genetic Testing: Advanced techniques analyze the removed cells for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic conditions.

Implantation of Healthy Embryos: Only embryos found to be genetically healthy are then transferred back into the woman's uterus, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

Why Choose PGD?

Reduces risk of miscarriage: PGD identifies chromosomally abnormal embryos, often the cause of pregnancy loss.

Increases live birth rates: Choosing genetically healthy embryos leads to higher chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth.

Avoids difficult decisions: Early diagnosis allows couples to avoid the potentially emotional burden of termination if a genetic condition is detected later in pregnancy.

Who can benefit from PGD?

Couples with a known family history of specific genetic disorders.

Women over 35, who have an increased risk of having babies with chromosomal abnormalities.

Couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages or failed IVF cycles.

Couples seeking to identify an embryo compatible for stem cell donation.

The Future of PGD:

New advancements like Multi-color FISH probe technology are promising, allowing for more comprehensive analysis of all chromosomes, increasing the accuracy and scope of PGD.