Modern technology has revolutionized the way we create and grow families by making it possible for fertility-challenged individuals and couples to conceive. While most people are familiar with fairly common treatment options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, there are also advanced techniques that can be used to increase your odds of conceiving.
One of these advanced fertility treatments is a procedure known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which is a form of genetic testing. The preimplantation genetic testing procedure is done during an IVF procedure when the embryos reach their 5th or 6th day of growth.
What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing, and How Does It Work?
During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs through the use of fertility medications. The eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries, brought outside the body and into a laboratory, and then fertilized in a petri dish.
The resulting embryos are then incubated together, where each embryo will go through a process known as mitosis. This is the process of cells replicating all their genetic information and dividing into two identical cells. After about three days, the embryos will have divided into eight cells. The embryos will continue to growth until they reach day 5 at which point they will be over 100 cells.
At this point, five or six cells one of the cells from are removed so that the cells can be tested for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. Once the healthiest embryos are identified, they are implanted into the woman’s uterus.
Who Is a Candidate for PGD?
PGD is often recommended for couples or individuals who are at risk for passing on certain genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities to their offspring. This includes carriers of:
- Single-gene disorders
- Fatal genetic conditions
- Sex-linked genetic disorders
PGD is also sometimes recommended for women who are experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss or have gone through several failed fertility treatments. Some people even opt to undergo PGD in order to select the sex of their child.
Learn More
PGD is a very advanced fertility treatment technique that can help you avoid passing down certain genetic or chromosomal abnormalities or help increase your odds of getting pregnant. To learn more, contact Fertility Solutions today.