Taking IVF To The Next Level
For infertile couples, the advent of IVF has been life-changing. In vitro fertilization is a medical process where a fertility clinic combines both egg and sperm outside the body. Then, the newly formed embryo is implanted into the women to kickstart pregnancy. IVF is just one of a range of assisted reproductive technology (ART) techniques available to hopeful couples. Over the years, fertility clinics have included other tests, like preimplantation genetic diagnosis or PGD. When used, PGD invariably takes IVF to the next level.
What is PGD?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis or PGD is a particular test that happens during the IVF process. As the name suggests, the check occurs before implantation. Furthermore, the clinic seeks to find out the genetic health and makeup of the embryo. A few days into embryo development, the clinic removes a few cells and sends the biopsy for testing. PGD searches for hundreds of genetic conditions that could impact the future baby. The embryos remain frozen until the final results. Then the clinic and the patient will determine the next steps. Here are 3 reasons PGD can be useful in the IVF procedure.
1. A child, partner, or family member has a genetic disorder
Some parents undertaking IVF are concerned that a hereditary disease will pass on to the child. Several reasons can encourage this decision. One of the parents could have existing genetic diseases. The family could have a history of a condition or a child with a genetic condition. Families who choose IVF already have infertility challenges. PGD can reduce any further complications in the process.
2. Gender selection
What PGD has been able to reveal is the ability to predict, with high accuracy, the sex of the baby. The test can determine the type of chromosomes that make up the sex of the embryo. While there are some ethical concerns, some IVF hopefuls consider PGD for family balance. For instance, the family may want an equal number of boys and girls. Speak with the clinic to determine if PGD for gender selection is an available option.
3. Previously failed IVF cycles
IVF increases the chances of pregnancy but may not always work on the first cycle. Many couples have more than one treatment before a successful pregnancy. But what if there are too many failed IVF cycles? For failed IVF cycles, there may be an underlying issue. PGD can help the fertility clinic find the root cause, from a genetic angle.
PGD testing can make all the difference
Infertility is a stressful situation for many couples. IVF is the next logical step to improve fertility and to help start a family. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis takes IVF a step further. Couples can be more comfortable with pregnancy, knowing the clinic has screened for potential diseases. Furthermore, PGD can find the root cause of failed IVF cycles and even help with gender selection. Speak with a fertility clinic about the availability of PGD today.
