Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis

At Fertility Choice, we offer Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) as part of our comprehensive fertility services. PGD is a cutting-edge technique that helps identify genetic abnormalities in embryos before implantation, enhancing the chances of a healthy pregnancy and successful birth.
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis

What is Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a specialised laboratory procedure used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). It involves screening embryos for specific genetic disorders before they are transferred to the uterus. During the IVF process, eggs are fertilised by sperm in a lab. Once the embryos reach a certain developmental stage, a few cells are carefully biopsied and analysed for genetic abnormalities. Only healthy, unaffected embryos are then selected for transfer.

Interested in PGD?

Contact us to learn more about this advanced fertility option.

Who is PGD useful for?

PGD is particularly useful for:

Couples with a History of Genetic Disorders:

If you or your partner carries a hereditary genetic condition, PGD can help ensure that your child does not inherit the disorder.

Recurrent Miscarriages:

Couples who have experienced multiple miscarriages may benefit from PGD to identify viable embryos and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Older Women:

As women age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases. PGD can help identify and select chromosomally normal embryos.

Sex-linked Genetic Disorders:

PGD can be used to select embryos of a specific sex to prevent sex-linked genetic diseases.

Unexplained Infertility:

For couples with unexplained infertility, PGD can help identify potential genetic issues that may be hindering conception.

Find out if PGD is right for you. Contact us for a consultation.

The Benefits of PGD

By selecting genetically healthy embryos, PGD can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy birth.
PGD helps prevent the transmission of genetic diseases, providing peace of mind for prospective parents.
By ensuring only healthy embryos are implanted, PGD can reduce the risk of miscarriage due to genetic abnormalities.
PGD allows couples to make informed decisions about their family planning, especially if they are at risk of passing on genetic disorders.

Experience the benefits of PGD. Reach out to us for more information.

What We Can Detect from the Tests

PGD can identify a variety of genetic abnormalities, including:

Single-Gene Disorders

Such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Including aneuploidies (extra or missing chromosomes) that can lead to conditions like Down syndrome.

Structural Chromosomal Rearrangements

Such as translocations, which can cause miscarriages or genetic disorders.

Sex-linked Disorders

Like haemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Learn more about what PGD can detect. Contact us to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

PGD is highly accurate, with a success rate of around 98-99% in detecting genetic abnormalities. However, it is not 100% foolproof, and follow-up testing during pregnancy is recommended.

PGD can be controversial due to ethical concerns, such as the potential for selecting embryos based on non-medical traits or the moral implications of discarding embryos with genetic abnormalities.

The cost of PGD can vary depending on the specific tests required and the number of embryos tested. On average, it can range from R50,000 to R100,000 in South Africa. Contact us for detailed pricing information.

Risks include the potential for embryo damage during biopsy, misdiagnosis, and ethical concerns. However, PGD is generally considered safe when performed by experienced professionals.

For many couples, the benefits of reducing the risk of genetic disorders and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy outweigh the costs and risks. It is a personal decision that should be made after thorough consultation with fertility specialists.

Disadvantages include high costs, the potential for ethical and emotional challenges, and the risk of false results. Additionally, not all genetic conditions can be detected through PGD.

If you use donor sperm, the baby will inherit genetic traits from the donor and the egg provider (the mother). While the baby may not look exactly like the recipient if the recipient is not the genetic parent, many choose donors with similar physical traits to increase resemblance.

Many sperm banks provide photos and detailed profiles of donors to help recipients make an informed decision. These profiles often include physical traits, medical history, and personal interests.

The time it takes to get pregnant with donor sperm varies. Some may conceive within the first few cycles, while others may take longer. Factors such as age, health, and fertility conditions play a role in the timeline.

Sperm washing is a medical procedure typically performed in a lab to prepare sperm for insemination, especially in IVF. It is not recommended to wash sperm at home due to the risk of contamination and reduced efficacy.

Home insemination involves using a sterile syringe to place thawed donor sperm near the cervix. It is crucial to follow proper thawing and insemination instructions to maximize the chances of conception.

Blood type can be a consideration when choosing a donor, especially if there are specific compatibility needs or medical conditions to consider. However, it is not always a primary factor for many recipients.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss PGD and how it can benefit your fertility journey.
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