Starting a family is a dream for many couples. However, some couples may have concerns about passing on genetic disorders to their children.

Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have provided a solution to this problem, known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is a procedure that allows doctors to screen embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted in the mother’s womb.

The process involves in-vitro fertilization (IVF) where eggs are removed from the mother’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. After a few days, when the embryos have developed into a few cells, a biopsy is performed to take a few cells from each embryo. The DNA from the biopsied cells is then analyzed to identify genetic abnormalities.

Who can benefit from PGD?

PGD is typically used by couples who have a high risk of passing genetic disorders to their children. This includes couples who have a family history of genetic disorders or those who are carriers of certain genetic mutations.

PGD can also be used by couples who have experienced recurrent miscarriages or failed IVF cycles.

What can be detected by PGD?

PGD can detect a wide range of genetic disorders, including chromosomal abnormalities, single gene disorders, and mitochondrial disorders.

Examples of genetic disorders that can be detected by PGD include cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, sickle cell disease, and Fragile X syndrome.

How is PGD performed?

PGD is performed in several steps:.

Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, the doctor will review the medical history of the couple and discuss the benefits and risks of PGD.
IVF: The mother undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce several eggs, which are then collected through a minor surgical procedure. The eggs are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory.
Biopsy: After the embryos have developed for a few days, a biopsy is performed to take a few cells from each embryo. The biopsy can be performed using different approaches, such as an opening in the zona pellucida or trophectoderm biopsy which tends to be the most common. The biopsied cells are then analyzed to identify genetic abnormalities.
Embryo Transfer: The embryos that have been screened and found to be healthy are then transferred into the mother’s uterus using a catheter.

What are the benefits of PGD?

PGD offers several benefits, including:.

Reduced risk of passing genetic disorders to children
Higher chance of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child
Reduced risk of miscarriage
Reduced emotional stress for the couple

What are the risks of PGD?

The risks of PGD are relatively low, but some potential risks include:.

Damage to the embryo during the biopsy process, which could lead to a failed transfer or birth defects
False positives or false negatives on the genetic screening, leading to the transfer of an unhealthy embryo or discarding a healthy one
Multiple pregnancies, which can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the babies.

Is PGD legal?

PGD is legal in many countries, but some countries have tight restrictions. In some countries where it is legal, it is only available for medical reasons and not for sex selection.

What is the cost of PGD?

The cost of PGD varies depending on various factors, such as the location of the clinic, experience of the surgeon, and the number of cycles needed. The average cost of a single cycle of PGD is estimated to be between $10,000 to $15,000.

Conclusion

While starting a family can be a rewarding experience, it can also come with potential risks for certain couples.

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis provides a powerful tool for screening embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted in the mother’s womb. It is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders to children and increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.