EMBRYO SELECTION: PRE-IMPLANTATION GENETIC DIAGNOSIS (PGD)

22 January 20252′ read5 sections

CONTENTS

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?
Who Is PGD Recommended For?
Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Examples of How PGD Is Used
In Conclusion

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a pioneering technique that allows reproductive medicine specialists to examine the genetic material of embryos before they are implanted in the uterus. PGD helps couples rule out serious genetic disorders, thereby improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?

PGD is used for couples undergoing assisted reproduction, specifically in vitro fertilisation (IVF). During PGD, specialists remove one or two cells from the embryo before it is implanted and analyse the DNA to detect any genetic abnormalities or inherited conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome or sickle cell anaemia.

Who Is PGD Recommended For?

PGD is recommended for couples who:

- Have a family history of genetic disorders.

- Have had multiple miscarriages with no known cause.

- Have a history of fertility problems.

- Are older, as the risk of genetic abnormalities increases with age.

Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Minimising the Risk of Inherited Conditions: PGD allows couples to rule out serious genetic diseases, reducing the risk to the embryo and to its later development.
Higher Chances of IVF Success: Selecting embryos with the correct genetic material improves the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Supporting Healthy Embryo Development: With the right embryo selection, couples can increase their chances of having a healthy child without genetic abnormalities.

Examples of How PGD Is Used

PGD is used in cases such as the detection of Turner syndrome, muscular dystrophy and other genetic diseases. Using this technique, couples can make sure they do not pass specific conditions on to their offspring, giving them the opportunity for a healthy life.

In Conclusion

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis offers an important option for couples who wish to have children free of genetic disorders. Although complex, the procedure provides a meaningful way to improve the child's health and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Book an appointment at our Centre to find out more about PGD and to ensure the right guidance and care for your reproductive health.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF successreproductive medicine centrefertilityin vitro fertilization

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?

Who Is PGD Recommended For?

Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Examples of How PGD Is Used

In Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?