What
is Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?
Pre-implantation
genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to detect genetic abnormalities in
embryos prior to their implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF)
treatment.
The
technique helps you and your partner to detect genetic disorders and avoid
passing them on to your offspring and to conceive a healthy child.
Key Takeaways
1. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis detects genetic disorders.
2. The cost of PGD depends on two factors: Gender selection and diagnosis.
3. PGD Increases the success rate of IVF.
Do I need PGD?
PGD
can be performed to detect genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, and
gender selection.
The
technique involves taking a biopsy of a few cells from the embryo, which are
then analysed to determine if the embryo carries any genetic abnormalities.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) will be
recommended:
· When you and your partner have a high risk of passing on genetic disorders to your offspring.
· If you are a carrier of single gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, or who have a family history of genetic disorders.
· If you have experienced multiple failed IVF cycles, recurrent miscarriages, or advanced maternal age.
· When you are older than 37 (Women)
Are you in need of a Pre-implantation genetic screening? Talk
to a patient support specialist.
How
is PGD performed?
PGD is performed during an IVF cycle. The process involves several steps:
1. Ovarian stimulation: You will be given fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg retrieval: The eggs are retrieved from your ovaries using a needle guided by ultrasound.
3. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory.
4. Embryo biopsy: On day three or five after fertilization, a few cells are removed from the embryo for genetic testing.
5. Genetic testing: The biopsy cells are analysed to detect genetic abnormalities.
6. Embryo transfer: Healthy embryos are transferred into your uterus.
READ: The Ultimate Guide to the IVF Process
What Are Diseases
Commonly Diagnosed Through PGD?
Diseases commonly diagnosed through PGD
include:
- BRAC 1 & BRAC 2 genetic mutations
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Fragile X syndrome
- Haemophilia A
- Huntington’s disease
- Myotonic dystrophy
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Tay-Sachs disease
- HIV
Do you want to speak to
a fertility specialist? Or in need of a consultation? Talk
to a patient support specialist now.
What Are the Benefits of PGD?
1. Detecting genetic disorders
PGD can detect genetic disorders in embryos before they are implanted, allowing you and your partner to make informed decisions about the options for having a child with a genetic condition.
2. Reduces the risk of passing on genetic disorders
You and your partner can avoid passing genetic disorders to their children.
3. Increases the success rate of IVF
PGD can improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by allowing IVF specialists to choose embryos with the highest chance of successful implantation and development.
4. Reduces the need for selective abortion
By detecting genetic disorders before
implantation, PGD can reduce the need for selective abortion later in pregnancy
if a genetic disorder is detected.
READ:
Infertility:
Causes, Diagnoses, and Treatment
What is the cost of Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?
The
average cost of Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in Nairobi, Kenya, is 300,000KES.
Are you in need of genetic testing? Get
a FREE cost estimate now.
