One of the many wonders of conceiving via fertility treatments is that babies can be healthier through such methods. This is because a process known as Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is undertaken before the embryo is attached to the mother’s womb. PDG is a laboratory procedure performed in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to detect genetic diseases. This prevents certain parental disorders from being passed on to the child. In fact, even families in search of a bone marrow donor can have recourse to PGD to bring a child into the world by providing matching stem cells.
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| Image source: nature.com |
PGD is done concurrent to egg retrieval and fertilization in the laboratory. Over the next few days, the embryo will divide into eight cells. One or two cells are then removed from the embryo. The cells are carefully examined to identify problematic genes, or to determine their presence. After which, the embryo is placed back in the uterus, and implantation is performed. Remaining embryos free of genetic problems can be frozen for later use while those with problematic genes are destroyed.
While PGD is not necessarily compulsory in an IVF treatment, it is best done for individuals who have genetic conditions. Candidates are usually carriers of sex-linked genetic disorders, single gene disorders, those with chromosomal disorders, women aged 35 and over, women experiencing recurring pregnancy loss, and women with more than one failed fertility treatment.
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| Image source: americanpregnancy.org |
Visit the High Quality Affordable Fertility Centers website to know more fertility options.
