Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to detect unhealthy embryos before transferring them to the patient's uterus during the IVF procedure. The main purpose of PGD is to identify genetic defects in embryos created by in vitro fertilization and prevent several disorders or diseases from being passed on the child. More specifically, the PGD test is used prior to implantation in order to help identify particular problems of the embryos' genes or chromosomes. During the early stages of development, the embryo cells are analyzed for genetic abnormalities. By detecting genetic problems before implanting the embryo, defects can be eliminated, allowing only healthy embryos to be implanted during fertilization.
PGD significantly reduces the chances that the baby will be affected by genetic or chromosomal abnormalities which can cause congenital malformations. Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, or spinal muscular atrophy are some of the genetic diseases that can be tested and identified by this technique. A high risk for serious diseases such as aneuploidy (chromosomal abnormalities) can also be detected by the PGS screening. There are several types of aneuploidies - the most commonly tested are the Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or 13, and the Turner syndrome.
PGD can also help select embryos of a certain sex, if the future parents have a preference or if they don't want to have a child of a particular sex, due to increased threats to pass a genetic disease which has a high risk of being developed by that certain sex.
Types of Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) Tests
Once the genetic material has been obtained from the embryo there are several possible tests that can be performed allowing for the identification of numerous different types of problems.
PGD for genetic mutations
PGD for structural chromosome abnormalities
PGD for hereditary cancer
PGD for determination of chromosome number
PGD for tissue typing
Infertility Causes
The causes of infertility can be varied, based on independent or associated diseases, of one or both partners.
Infertility causes in women:
Pelvic infections that interfere with the genitals - the most common secondary consequences are damaged or blocked the fallopian tubes (constriction)
Endometriosis, a condition represented by the presence of uterine tissue to another level (fallopian tube for example) - a situation more common in women over 30 years old who are nulliparous (who have had no pregnancy)
Ovarian diseases (ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian dystrophy, ovarian cancers) leading to the impossibility of forming a normal, healthy egg that can be fertilized;
Congenital anomalies of the sexual organs (e.g. T-shaped uterus)
Diseases of the fallopian tube, annexitis (an infection that reaches the ovary), narrow fallopian tubes that don't let the egg reach the uterus etc.
Disorders of the uterus: birth defects, infections, diseases of the cervix which don't allow the sperm to penetrate or migrate, uterine fibroid, etc.
Sexual dysfunctions: dyspareunia, vaginismus, vaginal trichomoniasis etc.
Disorders of the menstrual cycle: amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) or irregular menstruation
Central nervous system's organic lesions
Hormonal disorders such as hyperprolactinemia
Body weight - obesity seems to interfere with reproductive function
Some chronic diseases
Infertility causes in men:
Some sexual dysfunctions (impotence, premature or delayed ejaculation)
Dysfunctions in the sperm production (quantity, mobility, sperm structure, maturation, etc.)
Varicose veins in the scrotum
Reproductive organs infections
Hormonal dysfunctions caused by mumps or drug use
Certain chronic diseases that cause reproductive function disturbances: tuberculosis, diabetes, etc.
Excessive smoking: smoking more than two packs a day lowers sperm counts and motility
Toxic products: lead, boric acid, ultrasounds
Infertility causes in men and women:
Gonorrhea, chlamydiosis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Any drug: methadone, heroin etc.
Certain drugs which either interfere with the hormonal metabolism or directly harm the reproduction function
Symptoms of Infertility
The main symptom or sign of infertility is the inability to get pregnant, despite having unprotected sexual intercourse regularly (trying to conceive) for over six months. Fertility problems can occur to one of the partners or to both of them.
Infertility Symptoms in Women
Changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation: abnormal, irregular, absent, or very painful periods
Skin changes (more acne, etc.)
Sex drive changes
Dark hair growth on the chest, lips, and chin
Thinning hair
Hair loss
Weight gain
Milky white discharge from nipples (unrelated to breastfeeding)
Pain during sexual intercourse
Infertility Symptoms in Men
Changes in hair growth
Sexual drive changes
Small, firm testicles
Pain, lump, or swelling in the testicles
Erections and ejaculation issues
How Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) Works
PGD tests can be done only when the patients choose to undergo the IVF procedure. The testing is performed before the implantation of the embryo in the uterus, during the in vitro fertilization process.
The PGD screening involves the following steps:
The patient will take the fertility medication recommended by the doctor in order to induce ovulation.
Once the patient has ovulated, a part of the eggs will be retrieved for fertilization.
The eggs will be fertilized with the sperm in a special laboratory.
After about 3 days, or once the embryos have developed to the 6-12 cells stage, the doctor can begin performing the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.
The doctor will make a small hole in the outer membrane of the embryo and a cell will be extracted - this will not affect the embryo development.
The DNA will be extracted from the cell's nucleus; it will then be analyzed using a procedure called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect any genetic abnormalities.
Any unhealthy embryos will be removed, while the remaining healthy embryos will be implanted in the patient's uterus.
There are several advantages of the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
PGD tests can help future parents determine the health status of the embryo before being implanted during the fertility treatment (IVF).
PGD prevents unhealthy embryos from being transferred to the patient's uterus.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis can help identify numerous genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities.
PGD can help patients increase their chances of carrying to term a healthy pregnancy.
If patients already have a child diagnosed with a genetic disease, PGD screening can prevent passing on the genetic defect to other children.
Thanks to its ability to identify unhealthy embryos, the procedure can help to limit the number of failed implantations (IVF) or miscarriages.
PGS can decrease the patients' chances of having twins and multiples.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis can usually be performed relatively quickly in order to ensure the timely implantation of a healthy embryo.
Cost of Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
An IVF with Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) procedure in the U.S. can cost an average of $15,000 per attempt. This price usually doesn't include the fertility medications. Also, most of the times, these treatments are not covered by health insurances. The prices for an IVF with Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) package in countries such as Turkey, Mexico, or Thailand, often costs approximately 50 percent less than in the U.S., even when adding the fertility medications’ price.
Finding Doctors for Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
The pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) technique is a fairly complex procedure that requires a highly skilled, board-certified reproductive endocrinology specialist. The doctors specialized in performing this technique have completed medical studies, followed by four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology, and two to three years of training in fertility within an approved program that results in board certification. Also, patients should look for a doctor who is a member of a fertility and/or endocrinology association.
If you want to find out more about the Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) procedure, please contact us!
By: PlacidWay,
Fertility Treatment Abroad, Best Fertility Clinics
Family Hospital is a 35-All Private Rooms Boutique Hospital where you can experience affordable cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, and orthopedics surgery in Mexico.
Anagennisi Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre, located in Thessaloniki, Greece, offers an integrated rehabilitation program for patients with mobility problems of any origin.
Medica Fertil provides best IVF Treatment in Queretaro, Mexico. Book online now IVF with Gender Selection, In Vitro Fertilization, and Intrauterine insemination at Medica Fertil.
UNILIVE is an assisted reproduction unit in Puebla City, Puebla, Mexico, offering affordable fertility treatments for local and international patients.
Neorigen is a comprehensive healthcare facility specializing in fertility and regenerative medicine. It is located in Guadalajara and Mazatlán, Mexico.
Medica Fertil provides a cheap package for IVF with Gender Selection in Queretaro, Mexico. Get top treatment free quotes for top centers. Get IVF with Gender Selection Package in Queretaro, Mexico by Medica Fertil with the price starts from $7,800.
IREGA IVF Acapulco provides a cheap package for Tubal Ligation Reversal in Acapulco, Mexico. Get top treatment free quotes for top centers. Get Tubal Ligation Reversal Package in Acapulco, Mexico by IREGA IVF Acapulco with the price starts from $2,500.
Quironsalud, one of the largest hospital groups in Spain brings the best fertility treatments. Click to learn more about the most affordable and effective fertility treatment packages by the hospital in Madrid.
IVF with Own Eggs at Quironsalud University Hospital Madrid, Spain has enabled couples to use own eggs to attain pregnancy and have a child. Learn about the assisted reproductive technique here!
There are many clinics provide cheap package for IVF Gender Selection in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Get top treatment free quotes for top centers. It's time to get the best IVF Treatments carried out directly by experienced top surgeons in EMEA, and get satisfactory results for the long term. You can get it at an affordable price.
This site uses cookies to deliver our services and to show you relevant medical tourism information. By using our site(s), you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. Your use of PlacidWay Products and Services, including the PlacidWay Network Websites, is subject to these policies and terms.