Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to identify potential health risks in embryos prior to implantation. It is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples who are seeking to have children with genetic diseases or conditions that may be inherited through one or both of their parents. PGD in Thailand is a safe procedure, with minimal risk and side effects, and is one of the leading forms of genetic testing available. It can help to minimize the risk of passing on a genetic disorder to a child, and if one of the parents is carrying a mutation for a disease, it may allow that person to have more children unaffected by that condition.
How does PGD work?
PGD involves examining an embryo to determine if there are any abnormalities present that may indicate a genetic disorder. Typically, only the sperm or egg cells from a specific individual are used to create an embryo for screening, which helps to reduce the chance of any genetic defects being passed on to the child after it is conceived. Embryos are then implanted into the mother’s uterus, where they are later born as a baby. The procedure requires the mother to take fertility medication to stimulate the production of eggs from the ovaries, which are then fertilized with the father’s sperm in a laboratory setting. After three to five days, a single cell zygote develops from each egg and is then tested to determine whether there are any abnormalities present.
What are the benefits of PGD?
PGD provides couples with the option of having a child with genetic abnormalities, while still preventing the birth of a child with a genetic disorder. It can also offer couples the chance to choose the healthiest embryo for implantation, reducing the risk of miscarriages or complications during pregnancy. In some cases, it can help to identify disease-causing mutations that are inherited from the parents, allowing the couple to take steps to prevent future pregnancies from being affected. It can also detect embryos that are carrying harmful genetic mutations so they can be discarded before undergoing the IVF process.
What are the risks of PGD?
Couples who are planning to undergo PGD will need to undergo blood tests to ensure that there are no pre-existing conditions that may prevent them from having a successful pregnancy. There is also a small risk associated with performing the surgery to remove the eggs and fertilize them in the lab, although it rarely causes any serious complications. However, there is a greater risk involved with implanting an embryo that carries a mutation into a mother’s uterus, as there is a small chance that the baby could develop a serious condition after birth. Make sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before you decide to proceed with PGD.
