4 Reasons to Consider PGD Testing

Dr. Randy Morris

4 Reasons to Consider PGD Testing

Dr. Randy Morris

If you are about to undergo In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to finally become pregnant with the baby of your dreams, you may want to consider Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with your upcoming cycle. Through the technology of PGD, an embryologist can screen your embryos for quality and increase your chances of a healthy, full term pregnancy.

PGD Testing

  • PGD to detect abnormalities in chromosome numbers
  • PGD to detect translocations
  • PGD to detect hereditary cancer
  • PGD to detect genetic mutations

PGD testing in conjunction with IVF is performed after a woman’s eggs have been surgically retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. PGD involves the testing of six to seven cells of a blastocyst stage embryo created in vitro. The extracted cells are then tested in a genetics laboratory to detect genetic abnormalities. Through this analysis of the cells, quality embryos are identified for future transfer and abnormal embryos are discarded.

PGD Testing for Single-Gene Defects

PGD screens for single-gene defects causing genetic disorders.

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Down syndrome
  • Hemophilia
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Tay-Sachs disease

PGD for Gender Selection

For family balancing, many couples are choosing to use PGD as a tool to select the gender of their child. PGD for gender selection has become a standard practice of care with IVF.

Candidates for PGD

PGD screens for single-gene defect causing genetic disorders. Many women who are undergoing IVF in their advanced maternal years – 35 and older – are placed at an increased risk for conceiving a child with Down syndrome due to poor quality eggs, resulting in poor quality embryos.Other candidates for PGD:

  • Women under 35 who have experienced recurrent miscarriage (two or more)
  • Women who are over 35 and have experience one miscarriage
  • Women who have had two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles

Preeminent PGD Testing Specialist

Discover more information about PGD in conjunction with IVF and how it help you achieve your dream of having a healthy baby.The brand new, state of the art Naperville Fertility Center is home to the most advanced IVF laboratory in the state of Illinois. Click the icon below to download your free eBook Guide To Fertility Treatment compliments of Dr. Randy S. Morris – or – call 630.357.6540.