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 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 300,000 KES.
Are you in need of genetic testing? Get a FREE cost estimate now.
