Preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis (PGS and PGD) is a revolutionary technology that evaluates the health of any embryos in vitro fertilization creates. Offered by fertility specialist Peter Chang, MD, at Noble Fertility Center in New York City, PGS and PGD identify abnormalities in embryos that may affect pregnancy. Call the Murray Hill office or use the online tool to learn more.

 

PGS/PGD Q & A

What are PGS and PGD?

Preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis (PGS and PGD) are an extra step taken during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to select the most viable, healthy embryos for implantation. 

During a standard IVF process, laboratory experts choose embryos for implantation based on their visual quality. They select the most healthy embryos for placement in the uterus for a possible pregnancy.

PGS and PGD improve this evaluation process. The fertility specialists examine each embryo’s chromosomes to identify abnormalities. 

What are the benefits of PGS and PGD?

PGS and PGD screening and diagnostics significantly improve the success rates of IVF transfers. 

Chromosomal abnormalities play a role in 50% (or more) of miscarriages in the first trimester. PGS and PGD identify embryos with these abnormalities, so they are not used during IVF. That increases the likelihood of carrying a healthy pregnancy to term. PGS and PGD are a step that gets you closer to the healthy baby you desire and deserve. 

PGS and PGD improve the chance that you get pregnant during a transfer, reducing the number of IVF cycles you need. That saves you money, stress, and time. 

How do PGS and PGD work?

IVF introduces sperm to an egg in the laboratory. Following this introduction, embryos form and develop into blastocysts by day five or six. Blastocysts contain 200-300 cells total.

For PGS and PGD, your fertility specialist removes just four to six cells from the blastocyst and sends them to a lab for genetic screening. They cryopreserve the embryos in the meantime, so implantation is possible if they are viable and you are at the right point in your cycle.

For what conditions do PGS and PGD screen?

The screening (PGS) evaluates the embryo’s chromosomes. A normal cell contains 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs. Embryos that are missing chromosomes or have an extra chromosome are less likely to result in a successful, healthy pregnancy. 

The diagnosis (PGD) checks the embryos for genetic mutations that cause disorders like:

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • Fragile X syndrome
  • Hemophilia A
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Myotonic dystrophy
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Tay-Sachs disease

PGS and PGD can also determine the gender of the embryo.

To learn more about how your fertility journey can benefit from PGS and PGD, call Noble Fertility Center, or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.