IVF PGD

IVF with PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis), focusing on how the treatment works and what to expect. This treatment is often chosen by couples who are at risk of passing on inherited genetic disorders or conditions, or by those who want to screen embryos for specific genetic issues before implantation.

What is IVF with PGD?

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This is the process where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body, in a lab, to create an embryo. IVF is commonly used when natural conception is not possible or when a couple needs assistance with fertility.
• PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis): This is a genetic test that can be done on embryos created through IVF. It involves screening the embryos for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before they are implanted into the uterus.

Essentially, PGD allows doctors to test embryos for genetic diseases or conditions before selecting the healthiest ones for transfer into the uterus.

Why Choose IVF with PGD?

• Genetic Disease Prevention: PGD is often used by couples who have a family history of genetic disorders (such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or Tay-Sachs disease) or who are carriers of genetic conditions.
• Chromosomal Screening: PGD can also be used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), where an embryo has an extra copy of chromosome 21, or other conditions like Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome.
• Age-Related Concerns: Older women (typically over 35) may choose PGD to reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities that become more common with age.

IVF with PGD Process – Step-by-Step

1. Initial Consultation and Genetic Counseling:
   • The first step is a consultation with a fertility specialist and a genetic counselor. The genetic counselor will discuss the specific genetic condition or risk that the couple is concerned about and explain how PGD can help in this case.
   • The fertility doctor will review medical histories, perform diagnostic tests, and discuss the IVF process, including the PGD procedure. Genetic testing may be performed on both partners to determine if they are carriers of any genetic conditions.
2. Ovarian Stimulation (for the Female Partner):
   • As with traditional IVF, the woman will begin ovarian stimulation using hormone injections. The goal is to produce multiple eggs rather than the single egg that would be naturally produced in a regular cycle.
   • The doctor will monitor the woman’s response to the medication using ultrasounds and blood tests. This process typically takes about 10-14 days.
3. Egg Retrieval:
   • Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. This is done under light sedation, and a thin needle is used to aspirate the eggs from the ovaries through the vaginal wall.
   • The procedure is usually quick, taking about 15-20 minutes, and most women recover quickly afterward.
4. Sperm Collection:
5. • On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner (or sperm donor, if needed) will provide a sperm sample. If sperm quality is a concern, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can be used, where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to ensure fertilization.
6. Fertilization in the Lab:
   • The eggs are fertilized in the laboratory, either via standard IVF (where sperm and eggs are mixed together) or by using ICSI (if male infertility is an issue).
   • The embryos are monitored over the next several days to check for development and growth.
7. Embryo Biopsy for PGD:
   • After the embryos have developed for about 3-5 days, a biopsy is performed. This means that a few cells are taken from each embryo for genetic testing.
   • The embryologist removes one or two cells from the trophectoderm (the outer layer of the embryo, which will later become the placenta) without harming the embryo.
   • The cells are then tested for the specific genetic condition(s) you are concerned about. This may involve DNA testing for known genetic disorders or chromosomal screening to detect abnormalities like aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes).
8. Genetic Analysis:
   • The biopsied cells are sent to a specialized genetics lab where they undergo testing for specific genetic conditions. The lab will analyze the DNA to determine whether the embryo carries any harmful mutations or chromosomal abnormalities.
   • Depending on the type of genetic testing being done, results may be available in a few days. Some tests can be completed within 24-48 hours, but more complex testing may take longer.
9. Embryo Selection:
   • Based on the results of the genetic testing, the healthiest and most viable embryos are selected for transfer. Embryos that do not carry the genetic disorder or chromosomal abnormalities are chosen for implantation.
   • The clinic may choose 1 or 2 embryos to transfer, depending on the woman’s health, age, and embryo quality. Unused embryos can be frozen for future use.
10. Embryo Transfer:
    • The embryo(s) selected for transfer are placed into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter (tube). This procedure is done under ultrasound guidance to ensure the embryo is placed in the optimal location in the uterus.
    • The embryo transfer is generally a painless procedure, though some women may experience mild cramping.
11. Pregnancy Test:

• About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test will be conducted to determine if implantation has occurred and if the woman is pregnant.
• If the test is positive, the woman will have regular follow-up visits to monitor the pregnancy and ensure it is progressing as expected.

Why Choose IVF with PGD?

1. Genetic Disease Prevention: PGD helps prevent passing on genetic disorders to the child. Couples with known hereditary conditions can have children free from these diseases.
2. Increased Chances of Healthy Pregnancy: By screening embryos, PGD reduces the risk of miscarriage caused by chromosomal abnormalities and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
3. Age-Related Genetic Testing: Women over 35 may use PGD to screen embryos for conditions that are more common with age, such as Down syndrome or other chromosomal issues.
4. Personalized Care: PGD provides a personalized approach to fertility treatment, offering couples the opportunity to choose the healthiest embryos before pregnancy.

PGD in Cyprus – Why Choose It?

1. Experienced Clinics: Cyprus is known for having top fertility clinics that offer advanced techniques in IVF, including PGD. The clinics are staffed by experienced doctors and genetic counselors.
2. Affordable Treatment: IVF with PGD in Cyprus is generally more affordable compared to many Western countries, such as the USA or the UK, where the cost of similar treatments may be significantly higher.
3. High Success Rates: Clinics in Cyprus often report high success rates for IVF with PGD, especially for patients using PGD to avoid genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities.
4. Legal Protections: Cyprus has clear and well-regulated laws regarding IVF and genetic testing, ensuring that PGD is done ethically and with proper legal safeguards for the parents and embryos.
5. Convenience for International Patients: Many fertility clinics in Cyprus cater to international patients, offering support with travel arrangements, accommodation, and language assistance, making it a popular destination for IVF and PGD treatment.

Cost of IVF with PGD in Cyprus

• The cost of IVF with PGD in Cyprus can vary depending on the clinic, but typically ranges between €5,000 and €8,000 per cycle. This cost generally includes:
• Ovarian stimulation and monitoring
• Egg retrieval and fertilization
• Embryo biopsy and genetic testing
• Embryo culture and transfer
• Follow-up appointments
• Additional costs may apply for ICSI, embryo freezing, or any other advanced services you choose.
• It’s always important to ask the clinic for a detailed cost breakdown before starting treatment.

Things to Consider

• Success Rates: While PGD increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy by selecting genetically sound embryos, success rates still depend on other factors, such as the woman’s age, the quality of the eggs, and the overall health of the embryos.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: IVF with PGD can be an emotionally challenging process, and many clinics offer counseling or psychological support for patients undergoing fertility treatment, especially if genetic issues are involved.
• Multiple Cycles: Some couples may need more than one cycle of IVF with PGD, especially if they have multiple embryos with genetic concerns or if the first cycle does not result in pregnancy.