Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is done to identify genetically abnormal embryos. During the procedure, a special type of cell called a blastomere is removed from the embryo for genetic analysis, three days after egg retrieval.

Its benefits are threefold: it reduces the chances of miscarriage, it may prevent the need to terminate the pregnancy, or the birth of a baby with a serious birth defect.

PGD is recommended when you are older and trying to get pregnant - most often if you are 35 or older, and definitely of you are over the age of 40 – when the chances of a successful pregnancy is lower and the odds of a miscarriage are higher. It is also done of either partner carries an inherited condition. This procedure gives you the option of safeguarding your baby by screening the embryos so that only normal embryos are transferred into the mama-to-be’s womb.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is an IVF procedure that is done to examine your fertilized embryos for abnormalities in their chromosomes, and thereby decrease the risks associated with aneuploid embryos.

During the procedure, which is typically done on day 3 or day 5, all 24 chromosomes are examined before they are implanted in your womb. Our specialists look for abnormalities such as an additional copy of chromosome 21 which causes Down’s syndrome, incorrectly arranged chromosomes and other significant alterations.

When is Preimplantation Genetic Screening recommended?

We recommend PGS to couples who have several indicators for IVF, particularly those couples that are older, and have had unsuccessful pregnancies, both naturally and with fertility treatments.

PGS gives us the advantage of assessing the chromosomal make-up of your embryos and choosing the best ones, rather than choosing them based on their visual quality and morphology – thereby increasing your chances of a pregnancy that is carried to term once they are implanted.

What are the benefits of PGS?

The transfer of embryos with an incorrect number of chromosomes is minimized or eliminated. As chromosomal abnormalities are a common reason for miscarriages, the screening also minimizes this risk, and thereby increases your chances of getting pregnant with IVF.