PGD – Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is a test to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. This laboratory procedure is performed in conjunction with IVF (In-vitro fertilization), in which the eggs and sperm are united in an outside environment to increase the chances of pregnancy in an infertile couple.
PGD is required when either partner carries a genetic abnormality, which could be passed on to their child. If you are diagnosed with a genetic disorder, IVF with PGD can mitigate the risk of the child inheriting your genetic disorder. With the increased awareness of genetic issues in babies in Lahore, preimplantation genetic diagnosis has become a common way to protect your little ones from being born with genetic issues that stay with them for their lifetime.
IVF involves the extraction of healthy and mature eggs from women’s ovaries and uniting them with sperm to form embryos. However, if the parents have any genetic disease, these embryos can be sent to the lab for PGD screening. This ensures that only healthy embryos that do not carry any chromosomal abnormality are implanted into the woman’s uterus.
Let’s understand the breakdown of the PGD process:
PGD is a part of the IVF process, in which the woman’s eggs are retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure. Before that, the woman receives hormonal shots that stimulate the production of multiple eggs.
The scientist carefully extracts one or two cells from the blastocyst without destroying the cell mass. These cells are sent into the lab for genetic screening.
These embryo cells are tested for genetic abnormalities using FISH, PCR, and NGS (Next-gen screening). These PGD techniques can detect single-gene disorders, specific diseases, and any type of chromosomal abnormality in the embryo.
The selected embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus through a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the cervix into the woman’s uterine lining. It is performed using an ultrasound. Depending on the genetic screening results and your health, one or more embryos can be implanted into your uterus.
IVF can be performed using fresh and frozen embryos. A couple can decide to freeze a few embryos (if not all of them were implanted into the uterus) for future attempts. In case the IVF cycle fails, they can use these frozen embryos to try again.
Australian Concept is conveniently located in Lahore, offering excellent care and PGD testing services to the residents who opt for IVF. We examine the embryos for potential genetic diseases, separate them from the healthy and viable embryos, and then use the most optimal disease-free embryo that offers the highest success rate for implantation.
PCR—polymerase chain reaction is an effective technique for conducting preimplantation genetic diagnosis. In this process, a single cell is extracted from the fertilized embryo. The DNA sample is collected from this cell and amplified to make screening easier. The procedure is commonly used in cases of single-gene disorder or monogenic disease.
FISH is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, like Down syndrome. The healthcare specialist examines the embryo cells using a special microscope to determine whether they carry the required number of chromosomes. FISH—Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization helps identify the embryo’s chromosomal structure so your doctor can pick the most viable one.
Not every couple that chooses PGD screening is infertile. Some can conceive naturally but might experience fetal death at an early stage. Others might fear their child carrying the genetic disorder that runs in their family.
In some cases, the PGD technique is used for family balancing. If a couple wants a child of a certain gender, they can undergo Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis to separate the male and female embryos. Their selected gender embryo is then implanted into the woman’s uterus. Given the increasing demand for family balancing in Lahore, this test can prove a great choice for couples who want to select the baby’s gender for their next IVF-assisted pregnancy.
PGD comes with IVF and is a highly recommended procedure for couples at an increased risk of passing genetic diseases to their offspring. As mentioned above, PGD treatment also helps you identify the gender of the child. Here’s when you should consider PGD:
PGD success rates vary depending on the reason you are considering it. A study shows that the chances of miscarriage drop significantly in women (especially above 35) who undergo PGD testing during their IVF cycle. The test showed a whopping 95% chance of a woman giving live birth after PGD testing. Our fertility clinic in Lahore offers the highest success rate for couples undergoing PGD testing.
PGD can help prevent genetic disorders in your offspring, but like any medical procedure, it comes with its share of risks. Let’s check out the benefits and risks of PGD. Let’s check out the benefits and risks of PGD:
PGD pregnancy involves testing the embryo cells for genetic mutation and any chromosomal abnormality. The procedure is a bit complex. The cost of PGD treatment in Lahore depends on the clinic and the patient’s history.
To learn more about PGD, you can contact our Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center in Lahore. We’ll discuss the benefits, risks, and procedures to help you determine whether or not PGD is the right choice for your case. We will also give you a detailed cost of your treatment.
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The Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center Lahore “Australian Concept” was established in 1998 with Australian technical collaboration in Karachi, Pakistan.
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