Should I Have a PGS Test on My Embryos?
One of the advantages of doing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is giving the doctor and intended parents the opportunity to perform specialized genetic testing to confirm the genetic health of the embryos. By choosing genetically healthy embryos, the success rate of IVF pregnancies improves and the chances of miscarriage can be reduced. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is an advanced laboratory test used to evaluate the genetic makeup of embryos produced through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The test is commonly used to identify chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, which can affect their potential to become a healthy pregnancy. If you do PGS testing on your embryos, let’s explore it in this blog.
What is PGS Testing?
PGS testing is done on a small sample of cells taken from the embryo, usually on the fifth or sixth day of development (blastocyst). The sample is then tested for chromosomal abnormalities, such as aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes), which can cause developmental issues and increase the risk of miscarriage.
PGS testing can be performed on either fresh or frozen embryos. If you are using fresh embryos, the test will be performed shortly after the embryos are created. If you are using frozen embryos, the test will be performed after the embryos are thawed and before they are transferred back into the uterus.
So, how long does it take to get the PGS result? Typically, PGS test results come out within 2 weeks, and the result can help you and your fertility specialist identify embryos that are more likely to develop into a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, it is important to remember that the PGS test does not guarantee a successful result, and there is a small risk of damaging the embryos during the testing process. Moreover, the PGS report can give an indication of the sex of the embryos to be used for family balancing or prevention of sex-specific diseases.
In general, PGS testing can be a useful tool for identifying chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, but it is not right for everyone. It is important to discuss your options with your fertility specialist and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of PGS testing before making a decision.
What is the difference between PGS and PDG?
Pre-genetic screening (PGS) examining biopsied cells from the embryo to screen for potential genetic abnormalities when no potential inherited disorders are known. Pre-genetic diagnosis (PGD), on the other hand, uses the same process to detect a specific disorder that has a high probability of being passed from parents to their offspring.
A new method called Next-generation sequencing (NGS) that DNA sequencing using the concept of massively parallel processing is gaining a lot of traction and many advanced fertility clinics are opting for the NGS technique for genetic testing. NGS is the latest evolutionary genetic analysis technology that allows the lab to perform extensive chromosome scans on the embryo. With NGS, embryos are screened quickly and efficiently, and genetic problems at the chromosome level are detected before pregnancy.
Factors to consider before planning for PGS?
Whether or not to have PGS testing on your embryos is a personal decision that must be made after considering your individual circumstances and goals.
Here are some things to consider before doing PGS:
#1. How old are you:
The older you are, the more likely your eggs or sperm will have chromosomal abnormalities. If you are over the age of 35 and considering IVF, you may want to consider a PGS test to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. It goes without saying that with age the mutation increases and so does the chance of having genetically abnormal embryos.
#2. Your medical history:
If you have a history of recurrent miscarriages or infertility, or if you or your partner have a family history of a genetic disorder, you may want to consider PGS testing to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. In the case of genetic history from both sides of the prospective parents, it is recommended to opt for genetic testing to rule out the possibility of passing on faulty genes to the next generation.
#3. Your personal values:
PGS testing can help you identify embryos that are more likely to become healthy pregnancies, but it cannot guarantee a successful outcome. If you are comfortable with the risks and uncertainties involved in pregnancy and childbirth, you may decide not to undergo PGS testing.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have PGS testing on your embryos is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances and goals. Moreover, pay attention to the advice of your fertility specialist because your doctor knows your specific case, past medical history, and failed IVF cycles. After that, carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of a PGS test before making a decision.
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Who Should Get PGS Tested?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a laboratory test used to evaluate the genetic makeup of embryos produced through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The test is commonly used to identify specific genetic disorders or other inherited conditions that may be present in embryos.
PGD is usually recommended for people who are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder or other inherited condition to their children. These may include people who:
- Have a family history of a specific genetic disorder or other inherited condition
- Have a personal history of a specific genetic disorder or other inherited condition
- Are carriers of genetic mutations that can be passed on to their children
- Had children with genetic disorders or other inherited conditions
- The couple had failed IVF cycles in the past. This is also known as unexplained infertility.
- A woman had multiple miscarriages and no clear explanation for both.
Basically, PGD is a special test used to identify specific genetic disorders or other inherited conditions in embryos. It’s usually recommended for people who are at risk of passing these conditions on to their children, but it may not be right for everyone.
PGD is usually not recommended for people who are not at particular risk of passing on a genetic disorder or other inherited condition. If you are considering PGD, it is important to discuss your options with your fertility specialist and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the test before making a decision.
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