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Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis – PGD

During the IVF process, PGD procedure is used to identify genetic defects in the embryos before the implantation. This helps in certain genetic disorders not being passed on to the child(s)

Preimplantation Genetic Screening – PGS

PGS is used to determine the number of chromosomes in the cells in an embryo. The normal numberis 46. PGS ensures that abnormal embryos are not transferred into the uterus.

Misconceptions about PGD and PGS

PGD and PGS are one of the most misunderstood topics in infertility treatment. With everyone having an opinion to share it might get tedious for the intended parents to decide on what works best for them.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions with respect to PGD and PGS we have seen intended parents worry about when considering fertility treatments:

1. PGS is for older women trying to get pregnant

It is commonly thought that PGS is for women who are at an advanced maternity age. While it is true that women trying to get pregnant at an advanced age are higher to have complications and infertility, younger women also face infertility and may require to go through PGS.

Age is not the only deciding factor for infertility. Women may have chromosomally abnormal embryosat any stage of their maternity age.

2. PGS screening is done only if there is a need to identify chromosome abnormalities

It is important to perform PGS screening for couples suffering from chromosome abnormalities; however, that’s not the only purpose of PGS screening.

Chances of the baby(s) having Down syndrome can also be detected through the PGS screening.

Any couple that goes through multiple failed pregnancies goes through PGS screening to understand the reason for the failed attempts.

3. PGD is man acting as God

PGD is one of the most controversial processes in the IVF. Since PGD is used to identify the genetic disorder in the gene, many accuse this as the act of being God.

It is important to understand that all causes of genetic disorders cannot be identified through PGD. Side effects due to medication, ventilators, C-Section and many such factors may lead to the child having a genetic disorder and PGD cannot foresee these.

4. PGD is practical to individual carriers of single-gene disorders

In the field of IVF fertilization, it is a common misconception that PGD is suggested to any couple who have had single-gene disorders like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia in their family history. Contrary to popular belief, most couples do not stand a risk for single-gene disorders.

To break it down better, there are cases where one individual is a carrier of four to six different genetic disorders. This does not mean that their partner is also a carrier for any of the same genetic disease.

It is vital to understand that, in cases where PGD is recommended for single-gene disorders, both parents need to be carriers of genetic disorders for there to be a risk to the child.

5. A low-grade embryo is the reason for a failed pregnancy

This is another common misconception developed by people. Low-grade embryo does not equal chromosome abnormalities.

Low-grade embryo also has the potential of leading to a successful pregnancy.

These are some of the reasons why it is important to take the assistance of the experts than of Dr. Google or your neighbours. You may do your own research by reading related books or browsing the internet for experiences of people who have gone through the same processes; however, there is no harm in having a discussion with your doctor than worry over some misconceptions that are groundless.