Explaining PGS versus PGD

For some IVF patients at our Virginia fertility center, we recommend preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGS and PGD are both genetic tests performed after embryos have developed in the lab. This occurs before embryo transfer. Each test begins by removing cell samples from the developing embryos.

PGS examines the cells for aneuploidy, which means that there are too many or too few chromosomes in the embryo. Aneuploidy is often associated with serious disorders, some of which can lead to miscarriage. PGD examines the cell samples for specific genetic disorders that the parents carry.

Who benefits from PGS versus PGD?

Not all IVF patients at our Virginia fertility center can benefit from both PGS and PGD. In determining which tests are appropriate, our team considers the hopeful parents’ family history, age and health. Here are some general guidelines for who can benefit from PGS versus PGD.

• PGS can help parents who have a history of recurrent miscarriages, or hopeful parents with general risk factors for aneuploidy. This may include mothers who are older than 35 and patients who have had unsuccessful IVF cycles in the past.
• PGD can help hopeful parents who have a personal or family history of a specific genetic disease like cystic fibrosis. PGD helps doctors choose embryos to transfer that do not have genetic markers for a specific genetic illness.

There are limitations to both PGS and PGD. However, both tests can help increase the effectiveness of an IVF cycle by helping doctors choose embryos to transfer that have the best chance of resulting in a healthy pregnancy.

Develop a fertility plan

The team at our Virginia fertility center offers fertility counseling to help hopeful parents make informed decisions about their treatment plan. To learn more about PGD, PGS or our other fertility services, contact our office.