The possibility of transmitting a hereditary disease is one of the main concerns before seeking a pregnancy, especially for individuals or couples with a family history of genetic disorders. In this context, assisted reproduction techniques offer tools that help reduce these risks and allow for informed decisions about their reproductive future.
What is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a safe technique that allows embryos to be analyzed before their transfer to the uterus or vitrification. Its goal is to identify genetic or chromosomal alterations and select the embryos with the highest probability of resulting in a successful, progressive pregnancy.
Why is PGD a major breakthrough in reproductive medicine?
PGD helps reduce the risk of transmitting certain hereditary genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, beta thalassemia, or some muscular dystrophies. Additionally, it contributes to improving embryo selection in specific clinical cases.
When is PGD recommended?
PGD is not necessary for all treatments, but it may be indicated based on the clinical characteristics of each patient or couple. It is especially recommended for:
- Women over the age of 40.
- Patients with recurrent miscarriages.
- Couples who are carriers of hereditary genetic diseases.
- Cases of previous implantation failures.
How is PGD performed?
To perform this study, an embryo biopsy is carried out on day 5 of development (blastocyst stage). Using a laser, a small opening is made in the embryo's zona pellucida, through which a few cells are extracted for laboratory analysis.
Subsequently, using techniques such as NGS (Next Generation Sequencing), specialists evaluate whether the embryo has the appropriate number of chromosomes or if it presents specific genetic alterations.
A personalized approach at Barcelona IVF
At Barcelona IVF , preimplantation genetic diagnosis is integrated into a personalized approach that allows each case to be assessed individually. The objective is to provide clear information, reduce risks whenever possible, and accompany each patient through the decision-making process to move forward with greater safety toward a successful, progressive pregnancy.
