Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
PGD for Gender Selection and Genetic Screening
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis, a type of genetic testing, identifies genetic disorders in embryos created with IVF. At Dr. Kiran’s Gynae Clinic, it is recommended for couples with a family history of genetic diseases or an increased risk of passing certain genetic conditions to the embryo.
It’s an individualized test, advised after considering the patient’s fertility history, family history, genetic conditions, and reproductive goals. If you have a history of a miscarriage or failed fertility treatments linked to inherited genetic conditions, a PGD is worth considering.
What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis?
PGD is a test conducted during IVF to select genetically healthy embryos with a good success rate for implantation. The test examines each embryo carefully before it’s transferred.
PGD is a broader term used for genetic testing. PGT-A is used to detect chromosome numbers, while PGT-M is for identifying an inherited single-gene condition.
Indication for PGD With IVF
Dr. Kiran carefully assesses a patient’s fertility history before recommending PGD. The common indications for PGD during IVF are:
Genetic Carriers
If one or both partners are carriers of a genetic mutation, there may be an increased risk that the child will inherit the gene mutation. For such couples, genetic counselling helps decide on appropriate genetic screening options during IVF. Dr. Kiran recommends an appropriate test depending on the availability and specific gene mutation involved.
Previous Child With a Genetic Condition
If you have a history of pregnancy or a child with an inherited genetic disorder, you may be a good candidate for PGD for subsequent pregnancies. The test conducted during an IVF cycle may help identify embryos unaffected by the genetic disorder.
Recurrent Miscarriages
Recurring miscarriages can happen for many reasons, with chromosomal abnormalities being one of the most common causes. However, many couples are advised to undergo a detailed evaluation, which includes a genetic screening to rule out inherited genetic conditions as the possible cause of pregnancy losses.
Advanced Maternal Age
Advanced maternal age can increase the risk of many pregnancy complications. Older women may have a higher proportion of eggs with chromosomal defects compared to those conceiving at a young age. Age alone, however, may not be a definitive reason to undergo genetic screening.
Dr. Kiran carefully assesses your overall fertility status, such as ovarian reserve, hormonal health, fertility history, and existing medical conditions that might interfere with pregnancy before recommending PGT-A.
PGD Treatment Process
How Our IVF Specialists Perform PGD
The process begins with a fertility consultation where Dr. Kiran thoroughly evaluates your fertility history, genetic conditions, or family history of genetic disorders. Depending on your risk factors, you may be referred to a genetic counsellor.
01
Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian stimulation is when your ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple mature eggs. It’s through hormonal injections administered for 8-14 days, and a final trigger shot given 36-38 hours before egg retrieval.
02
Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs have matured, they are collected through a small surgical procedure called egg retrieval.
03
Fertilization
The eggs are kept together with sperm in a special laboratory. In selected cases, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be considered for fertilization.
04
Embryo Culture
The resulting embryo is cultured in an incubator with proper ventilation, regulated temperature, and a controlled setting, which mimics a woman’s womb. It’s closely observed for the next 5-7 days.
05
Biopsy
Once it reaches a certain stage of development, a few cells from the outer layer (trophectoderm) are collected and sent to the lab for biopsy. These cells form the placenta and supporting tissues, not the fetus itself. The embryologist examines them for genetic disorders, as recommended by the fertility expert. The embryos are frozen until the test results are available.
06
Embryo Transfer
Once the results are in, the fertility doctor reviews the tests to identify healthy embryos, discusses which embryo/s may be the best choice for transfer, and schedules a small, outpatient procedure for transferring the selected embryos into the uterus.
Genetic Testing Comparison
PGD vs PGT-A vs PGT-M
Understand the key differences between these embryo genetic testing approaches and when each may be considered.
Basis
PGD
PGT-A
PGT-M
Full Form
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders
Purpose
Older term used for embryo screening for genetic disorders before transfer.
Test chromosome numbers.
Test embryos for known inherited genetic conditions.
When It’s Considered
When there’s an increased risk of passing inherited genetic disorders to the embryo.
Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities due to advanced maternal age or previous pregnancy losses.
When one or both parents have a genetic mutation that the embryo might inherit.
PGD Gender Selection and Family Balancing in Lahore
PGD can also be used for gender selection in Lahore, especially if you are looking for family balancing. Certain tests can detect XX or XY chromosomes in the embryo, thus allowing our fertility expert to transfer an embryo based on your gender choice.
Gender selection methods identify sex chromosomes, helping you have a boy or a girl child, whichever gender balances your family. However, it doesn’t guarantee a successful pregnancy or a specific-gender baby. Gender selection can be done for medical and non-medical reasons.
For example, certain genetic disorders are linked to male or female babies, affecting each differently. Dr. Kiran may advise gender selection for such cases to reduce the risk of selecting a gender that’s at an increased risk of inheriting a gender-based abnormality, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Hemophilia A.
Sex selection for family balancing, without any medical indication, should be discussed with a fertility expert. It involves ethical and legal concerns, which you must thoroughly understand before proceeding.
Benefits of PGD
IVF with PGD can benefit couples by providing additional, valuable information about the genetic and chromosomal health of the embryo. Some common benefits of PGD include:
- Identifies embryos affected by a certain single-gene or other inherited genetic disorders
- Might reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders
- Allows genetic testing before pregnancy
- Helps in family balancing when legally and ethically allowed
PGD is a useful genetic testing method, especially when either partner is the carrier of a known genetic disease or your medical history shows an increased risk of chromosomal defects in the baby.
However, it cannot guarantee the birth of a healthy baby. It can rule out certain genetic diseases, but may not address maternal health or reproductive issues that can affect pregnancy.
PGD Treatment Cost in Lahore
PGD cost in Lahore may differ for different couples. For example, baby gender selection cost in Pakistan might be different from PGD done for medical reasons, such as identifying single-gene inherited genetic disorders in embryos. It’s conducted alongside IVF, so the total package might vary greatly for every couple.
The final cost is calculated after considering medication, egg retrieval, ICSI, embryology services, lab charges, biopsy, and embryo selection. Since no two cases are the same, the PGD treatment cost can’t be determined. You may consult Dr. Kiran Usman for a detailed assessment and expected costs.
PGD Accuracy and IVF Success Rate
PGD accuracy depends largely on the embryologists’ experience, lab conditions, testing technology, and the genetic conditions tested. How well the embryo cells are biopsied and analyzed plays a key role in determining the test accuracy.
IVF success rate is a separate consideration altogether. Genetic screening can reduce the risk of transferring embryos with inherited genetic conditions. But it’s only one factor. Your overall IVF success rate depends on egg and sperm health, maternal age, embryo development, uterine health, and other factors.
Why Dr. Kiran Usman for PGD?
Getting a PGD is not as simple as taking a routine blood test. It involves careful planning and considering several factors. Dr. Kiran evaluates a couple’s detailed medical records to understand their reproductive and overall health. She’s a fertility specialist, with qualifications and expertise in gynecological care, reproductive medicine, and assisted reproductive technology.
With over 15 years of experience in recommending and analysing IVF with PGD, she has become one of the renowned fertility doctors in Lahore. Dr. Kiran develops a personalized plan for each patient while deciding whether genetic screening is needed.
She offers counseling to explain testing options and legal considerations for couples looking for PGD gender selection. After consultation, you will understand all genetic screening options, when they may be necessary, and what exactly they will help you with.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, PGD can be used for gender selection in Lahore.
PGD involves removing a few cells from the outer layer of the embryo gently while preserving the tissue that will develop into the fetus.
No, PGD can only detect chromosomal or genetic disorders, but it cannot guarantee a healthy baby.
It depends on the genetic test performed. It may take several days to a couple of weeks.
There’s no specific PGD cost. It varies from clinic to clinic and depends on the type of test.
PGD can’t detect every possible health condition in the embryo. Besides, it adds to the total IVF cost.
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