Genetics/PGD/PGS

What is PGD/PGS?

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or screening (PGS) is the latest cutting-edge technology available in the field of infertility management.

Genetic Disorders

Genetic diseases are no longer rare. They have profound financial and psychological implications for families. It is a traumatic experience for parents to discover that their newborn is suffering from a genetic disease. Additionally, people who themselves have genetic disorders are extremely concerned about making sure these diseases are not passed on to their children.

Up until recently, the maximum parents and doctors could do was to check patients who were already pregnant for these diseases and go for termination of pregnancy. Other interventions are limited during pregnancy, which can have adverse psychological impacts on pregnant women and families.

Nowadays, we are fortunate to have advanced Genetic services like Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and Genetic Carrier Screening which can prevent the transmission of Genetic disorders in future generations and reduce the burden of these serious conditions. It is a godsend for prospective parents as this technology is extremely useful in stopping the transmission of these disorders.

How it is done

Such parents undergo an IVF or test-tube baby procedure, and the embryos formed are tested for genetic diseases. Only the healthy embryos are then carried forward for pregnancy. They are implanted back into the mother's womb and the pregnancy proceeds as normal.

Which Genetic Diseases Can Be Prevented?

Diseases such as Down's syndrome and single-gene disorders can be eliminated from the family line this way. PGT is now being performed for almost every genetic disorder. Disorders like Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Hemophilia, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Myotonic Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, and many more can be addressed. This technique allows for risk estimation for genetic disorders in future children and enables reproductive planning in advance. PGT is a good choice in these cases if gene defects are identified.

All these facilities are available at our center, and our genetic diseases program has been running successfully for over 2 years now. Jindal IVF Centre in Chandigarh is the first center in the region to offer this program.