015971265
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS): An Insight into Advanced Fertility Care
Expert Verified
How is this page expert verified?
This information has been reviewed and approved by an experienced fertility specialist at Indira IVF to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for our readers.
x
Disclosure
The information provided here serves as a general guide and does not constitute medical advice. We strongly advise consulting a certified fertility expert for professional assessment and personalized treatment recommendations.
Synopsis
A more advanced technique used in assisted reproductive techniques is called Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), in which embryos are checked for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. It is useful in enhancing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy as it determines the existence of good-quality embryos with the right number of chromosomes. PGS can especially be effective in couples experiencing multiple cases of pregnancy loss, IVF failures, or couples with genetic concerns.
This article describes what Preimplantation Genetic Screening Nepal is and the working principle, its advantages, risks and what couples need to know before they consider using it as a part of their fertility process.
What is Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)?
For many couples, the journey to parenthood can be filled with disappointments, such as miscarriages or unsuccessful IVF attempts. There is hope through procedures like Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), which can help to achieve higher success rates and mitigate genetic risks.
It is a laboratory procedure that filters embryos that have been formed by IVF against chromosomal defects. Genetic material is contained in chromosomes, and it is important to have the correct number to grow well. Embryos having fewer or greater numbers of chromosomes tend to fail in implantation or lead to miscarriage. Preimplantation genetic testing detects normal embryos in terms of their chromosome count, and this enhances the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Why is PGS Performed?
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is performed to enhance the success of assisted reproductive treatment and offer reassurance to the couples.
Key reasons for performing PGS include:
- Reducing miscarriage risk – Several cases of miscarriage are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. Screening is used to prevent the transmission of embryos that would most likely lead to early pregnancy loss.
- Improving implantation chances – This is achieved by picking healthy embryos that are chromosomally balanced and therefore have high chances of implantation and successful pregnancy.
- Avoiding chromosomal imbalances – PGS determines the right number of chromosomes in embryos, and it eliminates the transfer of embryos that are likely to have abnormalities.
- Informed decision-making – Couples get to know crucial information about their embryos so they are able to make effective and well-informed decisions in the process of IVF.
PGS does not apply in all instances, but may be of great help to couples whose risk factors or reproductive issues are known.
Who Should Consider PGS?
PGS may be beneficial for:
- When a woman is aged above 35 years and is undergoing an IVF procedure, she has a higher likelihood of an embryo anomaly. PGT helps reduce this risk significantly.
- In case a couple has encountered several miscarriages in the past, PGT treatment would provide an opportunity to decrease the probability of miscarriages through the selection of healthy embryos.
- In case one or more attempts at IVF have failed, the PGT treatment will enhance the success rate of IVF, as it is used to select only the normal embryos in the genetic sense and transfer them to the patient.
- In case one or both partners receiving the IVF treatment have a genetic disorder or have a history of any genetic disorder in their family, then the PGT procedure allows the exclusion of the embryos bearing the genetic disorder by filtering through the ones with the defective gene.
The PGS Procedure Explained
The PGS is a procedure that is well incorporated within an IVF cycle and includes several steps:
- Egg Retrieval – This is the initial procedure that involves the retrieval of several eggs from the ovaries of the woman.
- Fertilisation – These eggs are then fertilised in a laboratory by the sperm to produce embryos.
- Cell biopsy – Preferably, a few cells are taken on day 5 or 6 of embryo growth (blastocyst stage) by an embryologist through a biopsy procedure on the outer cell layer of the embryo (trophectoderm) without inflicting any harm on the embryo.
- Genetic analysis – Cells are examined to determine whether they have a chromosomal abnormality or are harbouring any gene of a genetic hereditary disease.
- Embryo selection – According to the outcome, the embryos with normal genes are picked and inserted into the uterus, and the rest of the healthy embryos may be frozen to be used later.
The PGS procedure is safe, and the embryo can continue developing normally after biopsy.
Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Screening
The advantages of PGS include:
- Peace of mind – It is a huge relief to know that your child has fewer chances of being at risk due to genetic disorders.
- Reduced miscarriage risk – The PGT treatment has the potential to reduce the risk of miscarriages during IVF procedures by filtering the embryos to normal ones before transferring them to the woman.
- Improved Pregnancy Outcomes – PGT treatment increases the chances of a successful pregnancy since it assists in choosing the healthiest and genetically normal embryo to be transferred.
- Prevent transmission of genetic abnormalities – By performing PGS with your viable embryos, you may go through chromosomally normal embryos and eliminate the ones that would not lead to a healthy birth.
Risks and Limitations of PGS
Like any medical procedure, PGS has limitations:
- Limited Genetic Scope – PGT normally tests for a predefined group of genetic disorders, and this implies that not all possible genetic disorders are detectable. This restriction could at times give a false assurance to parents.
- Small risk to embryos – The process of biopsying embryos during PGT can cause them harm and thus this may lead to their unviability.
- False Positives/Negatives – PGT is highly accurate, though there is some risk of false positives and false negatives. That may result in the disposal of normal embryos or the implantation of embryos that have unidentified defects.
- Emotional considerations – The experience of having gone through PGT, awaiting the results and the associated outcomes can be emotionally and psychologically burdensome.
PGS or Preimplantation Genetic Screening has been used as a significant tool in the fertility care journey. Although this is not mandatory for all, PGS can offer comfort and lessen dangers to couples with certain worries.
Book a Consultation
In case you are considering the use of PGS during your IVF process, the most appropriate first step would be to arrange an appointment with a fertility specialist. Couples are often advised to discuss PGS cost in Nepal with their fertility specialist before making treatment decisions.
Take the first step towards informed fertility care and let experts guide you through the possibilities of PGS with personalised support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of PGS?
PGS examines embryos for chromosomal anomalies before implantation, and this screening can help improve the odds of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
Is PGS safe for embryos?
Yes, embryo biopsy is deemed safe, and embryos will continue to develop normally even after the biopsy is performed.
What happens to my embryos after PGS?
After the embryo is biopsied, it will be frozen, while the biopsied samples will be analysed. You will be informed on how we approach abnormal embryos, and you can speak to your doctor or a genetic counsellor about potential scenarios related to abnormal embryos.
Who benefits most from PGS?
Women over 35, patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, and women who have failed IVF treatment in the past are likely candidates for this preimplantation testing.
What is the difference between PGS and PGD?
PGS reviews embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, while PGD tests for specific inherited genetic diseases.
How should I prepare for my PGT appointment with a genetic counsellor?
Arrange any genetic reports you have from the past. Compile the medical history of three generations of your family, try to bring your partner along, and be ready to go over the authorisation paperwork with them.
