IVF and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (IVF+PGD)
Each couple dreams of bearing a healthy child while avoiding the risks of genetic and other diseases being transmitted to their offspring. This is especially relevant in cases when insemination requires special care and expenses. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis allows eliminating the risks of disease transmission to the future child even before the embryo is placed into the uterine cavity.
How can one avoid the risk of transmitting a genetic disease to the child?
To avoid genetic risks, the couple must be examined for any genes associated with pathologies. If both parents carry such pathogenic genes, we recommend examining the embryo using the preimplantation genetic diagnosis method before it is placed into the uterine cavity. If only one of the parents carries a pathogenic gene, this is nothing to worry about, as the child will be born absolutely healthy.
What does the PGD method involve and when is it used?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is used when the couple has pathogenic genes and there is a risk of disease transmission to their future child. Three days after fertilization we extract one cell from the embryo. This does not harm the embryo, which continued to develop. We use the PGD method to determine whether the embryo has any genetic deformities. We can also determine the gender of the future child.
How is the PGD procedure performed?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis requires special high-precision equipment. There are two main diagnosis kind depending on the type of problem to be detected. If chromosome imbalance is suspected, a fluorescent microscope is used. Meanwhile, gene mutations are identified using the polymerase chain reaction method that examines DNA.
Can a genetic diagnosis be made if insemination occurred naturally?
In case of natural insemination, there are several ways to test the genetic health of the foetus – through mother and foetus blood tests, placental biopsy, or amniocentesis (amniotic fluid test).