If you’re planning to go through in vitro fertilization, your gynecologist might have suggested pre-implantation genetic control (PGS) or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to you.
But do not confuse both the terms as PGS is used for screening the genetic abnormalities and PGD is used for detecting the genetic defects.
PGS is a technique used to examine the genetic profile of an embryo before it is implanted in the uterus. This procedure identifies any chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to implantation failure, miscarriage or genetic abnormalities in the child.
Once the embryo is examined and the genetic flaws are identified, healthy embryos are implanted into the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy and healthy childbirth. PGS can help couples who are struggling to have a baby through natural means.
At Mothersblog Gynecologist, we help our patients understand this process and its benefits.
We understand that every couple deserves the joy of parenthood, and PGS could be the key that unlocks the door for many couples facing difficulties in this regard.
Who Benefits from PGS?
There are various reasons why couples opt for PGS. Some of these include:.
Couples Having Repeated Miscarriages
For those couples who have had several miscarriages, PGS can be a lifesaver. Repeated miscarriages could be due to the chromosomal abnormality of the embryo.
PGS can help to identify the healthy embryos and their transfer would lead to a full-term pregnancy without any complications.
Couples with Infertility Issues
Infertility is a complex issue that could be due to several factors, such as male/ female factors, age, hormonal problems, anatomic problems or reproductive conditions.
PGS can be a great option as it identifies the genetic normality of embryos before implantation, which can lead to implantation and improve pregnancy rates.
People with A Family History of Genetic Disorders
People carrying genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, Down syndrome and many more can also benefit significantly from PGS.
By identifying the chromosomal abnormalities, PGS can guarantee the healthy pair of genes for the embryo and reduce the risk of transferring genetic disorders from the parents to the child.
The Process of PGS
The PGS process involves the following stages:.
Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
The first stage in the PGS process is the stimulation of the ovaries, followed by the retrieval of eggs from the ovaries for fertilization in the lab.
In Vitro Fertilization
This stage involves the fertilization of eggs with sperm in the lab. After fertilization, the embryos start to develop and grow for around five to six days.
Biopsy of Embryo
The next stage involves the biopsy of cells from the embryo for testing. This process is done by a qualified embryologist, and then the cell sample is taken to the lab for testing.
Testing of Cells
The test is conducted to examine the chromosomal composition of the embryo. After the test, the healthy embryos are allowed to develop a bit more before being implanted in the uterus.
Implantation of Embryo
The last stage involves the successful implantation of healthy embryos into the uterus and monitoring the development of pregnancy.
Benefits of PGS
Pre-implantation genetic screening has various benefits that make it an attractive option for couples who desire to have a healthy child. Some of these benefits include:.
Improved Pregnancy Rates
PGS helps to increase the pregnancy rate by selecting genetically normal embryos and avoiding implantation failure associated with chromosomal abnormalities.
Reduced Risk of Miscarriage
By identifying genetically normal embryos, PGS can reduce the risk of miscarriage as well. Many cases of recurrent miscarriage are due to chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo.
Elimination of Genetic Disorders
PGS can help couples eliminate any genetic disorders from the pregnancy and the child, ensuring their child will be healthy.
Greater Confidence in IVF Outcome
After PGS, the chances of implanting a healthy embryo are significantly increased. Hence, couples can feel more confident about the IVF process, knowing they are giving themselves and their child a greater chance for success.
Peace of Mind
PGS can provide peace of mind for couples who have concerns about chromosomal abnormalities. With PGS, they can identify genetically normal embryos and help ensure they have a healthy baby.
Conclusion
Pre-implantation genetic screening is a revolutionary technique that has transformed the assisted reproduction process. It has helped thousands of couples to have healthy babies.
At Mothersblog Gynecologist, we have a great team of specialists that have helped many people over the years, and we look forward to helping our patients achieve their dreams of parenthood.