Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a medical procedure used in reproductive health to detect genetic abnormalities in embryos before they are implanted into the uterus. PGD can be used for couples who are at risk of transmitting genetic disorders to their child, or those who have had multiple failed attempts at fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). PGD involves the collection of eggs from the female partner, which are then fertilized with sperm through IVF. Once the embryos have developed for a few days, a single cell is removed from each embryo for genetic testing. PGD can identify chromosomal abnormalities, genetic mutations, and gender of the embryos. The results of the genetic testing are used by physicians to select the healthiest embryos for transfer to the uterus. PGD can be used for numerous genetic diseases including Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis, Tay Sachs disease and many more. With advancements in PGD technology, more genetic diseases can be detected before implantation. PGD has been shown to increase the success rates of pregnancy for couples undergoing fertility treatment. It not only helps to reduce the chances of passing genetic diseases to the offspring, but also increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy resulting in a healthy baby. Overall, PGD is an important tool in reproductive health as it allows couples to make informed decisions about the viability of their embryos and decreases the chances of genetic disorders being passed down to their offspring. With the help of PGD, parents can be assured of conceiving healthy children, leading to a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
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