There is a lot of hype about Pre-Genetic Screening (PGS). What is it? Does it work? Will it work for me? What are the benefits of PGS?
So we thought, let’s shed some light on the whole PGS debate.
In a nutshell, PGS is a screening process that selects the healthy embryos, based on the number of chromosomes, that have the best chance of success after they have been implanted.
Studies have shown that around 50% of embryos that are implanted in IVF have abnormal chromosomes. This percentage can also increase as women get older. As such, the PGS is a great way to improve the success rates of IVF.
What PGS is not used for is testing for diseases in the embryo. It is a tool to increase the success rates of the implantation of the embryo and lead to successful pregnancy.
People who can benefit the most from PGS are:
Women age 35 and older
The chances that embryos have chromosome abnormality happens more as women age. PGS can help women who are older than 35 have normal pregnancy and a healthy baby by identifying the embryos that have the right chromosomes.
Women who previously had miscarriages
In many cases the main reason for a miscarriage is due to chromosome abnormalities. PGS helps with selecting embryos with fewer abnormalities which results in fewer miscarriages.
Women who previously had multiple IVF failures
The chances to achieve pregnancy with IVF increase if chromosome status is revealed. PGS also reduces time between IVF cycles, since women can go through IVF cycles as soon as the normal embryo is identified.
Severe male factor infertility
PGS can be very helpful when the reason for infertility is on the male part, particularly in the cases when testicular biopsy is needed to obtain sperm.
If you are considering PGS, we advise you to do the research and we are always here for you should you have any questions. You can reach us on 0333 234 0895; info@assuredfertility.co.uk.
Sources: Ogilvie CM. Preimplantation testing for chromosome aneuploidy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:88–92.
