PGS (pre-implantation genetic screening) and PGD (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis) can help patients not only select the gender of their child but also determine if an embryo contains a normal number of chromosomes. When you schedule your free consultation at CARE Fertility you will meet with a fertility specialist who will take an extensive medical history of you and your partner and address all the concerns you may have.
Our team of embryologists at CARE fertility have performed thousands of procedures requiring PGS & PGD. In these cases they take a few cells from the embryo which are sent out to specialized genetic laboratories for testing.
After fertilization, an embryologist will take a few cells from the embryo for genetic testing. It will examine these cells for its gender chromosomes (XX for a female or XY for male) and/or for genetic defects. PGD can detect abnormalities of chromosome numbers, such as Down syndrome. It can also identify other serious single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anemia prior to embryo transfer. An abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo (either too many, or too few) will likely cause failed implantation or miscarriage. The likelihood of having an abnormal chromosomal content increases with age.
Once the testing has been finalized you will receive a report with the results and next steps will be determined including selecting embryos which are determined eligible to be transferred to achieve a pregnancy. The embryo/embryos chosen for transfer are placed through the cervix into the uterine cavity using a small, soft catheter. This procedure usually requires no anesthesia. Embryos may be transferred on day 3, 5, or 6 after egg retrieval. In addition, in some cases a Fertility Doctor might recommend to cryopreserve the embryos and have a Frozen Embryo Transfer instead.
