Q: I’m 40 years old and have been facing unexplained infertility for around two years. I’ve come across information suggesting that Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) might enhance my chances of success with IVF. Is this accurate?
A:
Absolutely! PGD is a helpful technique that, when paired with IVF, helps assess whether your embryos are capable of developing into a successful pregnancy. As women age, the likelihood of chromosomal errors in their eggs increases. One of the most notable conditions associated with these errors is Down Syndrome, which occurs due to the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Having too few or too many chromosomes can prevent embryos from developing past a few days or lead to miscarriages in the first trimester.
PGD works by removing a single cell from the embryo during its third day of development (when it has about 5-10 cells) and analyzing it to check for the correct number of chromosomes. At our center, we collaborate with a top-notch cytogenetic partner to test for nine common chromosome abnormalities, which are often linked to serious birth defects.
While PGD can’t fix any chromosomal defects, it can identify embryos that are abnormal for these nine chromosomes. It may also reduce the chances of miscarriage caused by chromosomal issues and help select embryos that are more likely to implant successfully. If you have several fertilized eggs, PGD can minimize the number of embryos transferred at one time and reduce the number of genetically abnormal frozen embryos you might have.
Thanks to this screening, the remaining embryos could improve your odds of achieving a healthy pregnancy, especially for older women. Some studies even suggest that the odds of implantation can double with IVF and PGD, while miscarriage rates may drop significantly. If you’re considering this option, chatting with your Reproductive Endocrinologist is a great next step.
At our center, we also recommend a specialized genetic counseling session for our PGD patients to help them prepare for this process. And if you’re curious about prenatal education, check out this post on the advantages of choosing the right childbirth classes.
In summary, PGD can indeed enhance your chances of a successful pregnancy by identifying the healthiest embryos for transfer, particularly for women over 40 facing unexplained infertility.