Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
IHR provides effective PGD treatment offering one of the most experienced in-house preimplantation genetic diagnosis laboratories in the world.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, also known as PGD, is the diagnosis of a genetic condition prior to achievement of a pregnancy. This form of genetic testing is performed on eggs or embryos during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Therefore, in order to have PGD you must undergo IVF. PGD was first performed in the early 1990’s as a way for couples to prevent the pregnancy of a child with genetic disease. Currently, we are able to perform PGD for many genetic conditions including single gene disorders and for chromosomal abnormalities. IHR has been offering PGD treatments since they became available in 1990. In addition to hundreds of IVF/ICSI cycles performed annually for infertility, IHR conducted more than 1000 IVF-PGD cycles in the last few years for patients with over 50 different genetic single gene disorders (such as Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile-X syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia, Huntington disease, and Hereditary cancer predisposition genes), chromosomal translocations, for HLA matched child, and for aneuploidy.The IHR PGD experts work closely with couples undergoing the many different types of assisted fertility treatments available. We are renowned for our specialized knowledge and high infertility success rates even in difficult cases. IHR's expertise in preimplantation genetic diagnosis lies in our willingness and ability to individualize our approach to best suit each and every one of our patients. If you have any questions as you review the material on preimplantation genetic diagnosis, please contact us for a FREE Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis E-Mail Consultation.

Preimplantation genetic testing is a technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) refers specifically to when one or both genetic parents has a known genetic abnormality and testing is performed on an embryo to determine if it also carries a genetic abnormality. In contrast, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) refers to techniques where embryos from presumed chromosomally normal genetic parents are screened for aneuploidy. Because only unaffected embryos are transferred to the uterus for implantation, preimplantation genetic testing provides an alternative to current postconception diagnostic procedures (ie, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling), which are frequently followed by the difficult decision of pregnancy termination if results are unfavorable. PGD and PGS are presently the only options available for avoiding a high risk of having a child affected with a genetic disease prior to implantation. It is an attractive means of preventing heritable genetic disease, thereby eliminating the dilemma of pregnancy termination following unfavorable prenatal diagnosis.

Through PGD techniques, we are able to test for many different genetic diseases. Some of our families request PGD for a specific genetic condition running in their family, such as Tay Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy or Fragile X syndrome. Other couples request genetic testing for chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and Turner syndrome, in order to improve their chances of getting pregnant during in vitro fertilization. By choosing to pursue PGD, you will significantly reduce the chances for your baby to be affected with a specific genetic condition or conditions.

In addition, in the course of the PGD procedure, doctors receive information that is helpful in predicting gender, which is useful for family balancing.

IHR has treatments for a variety of conditions, including unexplained infertility, ovulatory dysfunctions, endometriosis, immunological infertility and many others. Perhaps less known is our work with individuals and couples who are considering assisted reproduction, but who are uncertain of their next step. We encourage anyone, before they make a decision, to consult with us. Currently, we are offering a FREE Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis E-Mail Consultation.