Infertility is a problem shared by 10-15% of couples in India. Many of them seek assisted reproduction techniques (ART) such as Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD. These are high-tech reproductive screening methods employed to ensure the transfer of only genetically healthy embryos. For women above 35 years of age, pregnancy rates improve with PGS up to 50%.
Apollo Fertility offers PGS & PGD screening so that couples can realize their dream of parental joy with reduced genetic disorders. This really helps in decision-making with regard to fertility treatment.
What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?
PGD is a genetic test that checks embryos created under IVF for specific conditions, so it helps parents with a condition know that it will not be transferred to their offspring. It involves an embryo biopsy, after which the genes or chromosomes are analyzed for abnormalities.
This test can be done for almost every genetic condition due to a particular gene. It has been used for various disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs disease, among others. Couples with known histories of genetic diseases mainly leverage this technique to ensure the health of their child.
Who Should Consider PGD?
- Couples with a strong family history of serious genetic disorders.
- Individuals who hold abnormal chromosomes.
- Parents who already have one child with a genetic illness.
- Women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or in vitro fertilization failures.
- Couples who ended their pregnancies due to a condition in the fetus.
What is Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)?
PGS is a technique to ascertain the presence of chromosomal conditions in embryos. Unlike PGD, which is specific to certain genetic conditions, PGS provides a general evaluation of the number and structure of chromosomes in embryos. Chromosomal imbalance results in the inability to implant, miscarriage, and some other conditions such as Down syndrome.
With PGS, couples can improve their chances of success in IVF by implanting embryos with chromosomally normal structures, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and baby.
Who Benefits from PGS?
- Women of age 38 and older undergoing IVF cycles.
- Couples with failed attempts at IVF.
- Individuals with recurrent miscarriages.
- Patients experiencing infertility but without any known cause.
What are the processes of PGS and PGD?
PGS & PGD screening are both performed on embryos formed during an IVF cycle. The following are the key steps of both methods:
- IVF and Embryo Creation: Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and put together with sperm in vitro to create embryos.
- Embryo Biopsy: Some cells are carefully removed from the embryo at the blastocyst stage (usually day 5 or 6).
- Genetic Testing: It is used for PGD to test the specific genes related to a particular condition. For PGS, the embryos are screened for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Embryo Selection: Those embryos that do not show genetic or chromosomal defects are selected for transfer into the uterus.
- Embryo Transfer: The chosen embryo is implanted into the uterus, increasing the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Benefits of PGS and PGD at Apollo Fertility
Our patients always receive the most accurate genetic testing results, which assures them of their baby's health. Thousands of individuals choose Apollo Fertility due to the following benefits:
- Increased IVF Success Rates: Transferring genetically healthy embryos increases the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
- Reduced Risk of Genetic Disorders: PGD ensures that hereditary conditions are not passed on to the child.
- Personalized Care: Apollo Fertility’s team of specialists provides tailored treatment plans that address individual patient needs.
- Advanced Technology: With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of skilled geneticists, Apollo Fertility is equipped to deliver the best outcomes.
PGS & PGD Screening Costs
The costs of genetic testing in complicated IVF depend on a number of factors like clinic, locality, and other types of required tests. Here is a summary of the cost of PGS & PGD screening:
- Cost of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): Although the preimplantation genetic diagnosis costs differ, they are generally between ₹5,000 and ₹1,0,000 within one cycle. The actual PGD costs vary with region and the fertility center.
- Cost of PGS: PGS costs are similar, from ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 per cycle.
- IVF Genetic Testing Costs: Genetic testing done with IVF includes embryo biopsy and laboratory analysis.
- Embryo Genetic Testing Cost: Individual analysis of embryos is likely to incur additional charges according to the number of embryos analyzed.
Challenges Addressed by PGS & PGD Screening
PGS & PGD screening is invaluable for couples facing the following challenges:
- Repeated IVF Failures
- Recurrent Miscarriages
- Unexplained Infertility
- Family History of Genetic Disorders
- Advanced Maternal Age
Why Choose Apollo Fertility?
Apollo Fertility fulfills every need for effective, result-oriented care founded on decades of experience in fertility treatments. We put our patients first at the facility, coupled with modern technology, in a warm environment through the journey to parenthood. Procedures like PGS & PGD screening eliminate the possibility of genetic conditions and increase success with in vitro fertilization.
At Apollo Fertility, we are always prepared for you with our advanced technology, expert team, and caring approach at every step of the way. We conduct the procedures at the most affordable embryo testing cost. PGS or PGD? Book a consultation with us today and get started with your family-building process!
PGS is an acronym for Preimplantation Genetic Screening, which tests an embryo for chromosomal abnormalities. At the same time, PGD is a Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis that is performed to find out some genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, in the embryo when identified to one or both parents being carriers of that particular genetic condition.
When embryos reach the blastocyst stage, a few cells are singly optically extracted, using high-end sophisticated techniques like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to analyze the genetic material.
No, because these advanced techniques of PGS and PGD screening involve only removing a few cells from the embryo without any damage. Hence, they're safe when performed by professional embryologists.
Yes, PGS and PGD significantly improve the success rates of IVF, securing only healthy embryos and hence avoiding failure of implantation, miscarriage, and genetic disorders leading to successful pregnancy.
The genetic testing lasts about 7-10 days; however, this can vary depending on the complexity of the genetic analysis and the number of embryos subjected to testing.
Whether or not they are included in an insurance package for PGS & PGD screening depends on the plan and insurance provider. Some insurance packages may cover the costs, either in whole or in part, especially if medical necessity is determined. You can give Apollo Fertility's team a call to help you understand the financial options available and insurance coverage.
