Understanding the Benefits of PGT-M (PGD)/PGT-A (PGS)

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis PGT-M (PGD) is designed to lower the risks of passing on certain genetic conditions and diseases. At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we offer PGT-M (PGD) and other preimplantation testing to ensure that patients receive the healthiest embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF). PGT-M (PGD) testing offers many benefits for patients who carry sex-linked genetic disorders, single gene and chromosomal disorders, and patients over the age of 35. This testing provides great insight into the health of individual embryos so that patients can increase their chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby. To learn more about the benefits of IVF, contact our Tarzana, CA-area practice today.

Close up illustration of embryo — We can test for abnormalities to lower your risk of passing genetic conditions and diseases onto your child.

Testing for Genetic Abnormalities

PGT-M (PGD) is a type of genetic screening designed to help patients who have known genetic abnormalities in their family line. This type of testing is commonly recommended for individuals and couples in which one or both partners have a high risk of passing on a genetic defect. PGT-M (PGD) tests embryos for the presence of genes that cause:

Cystic Fibrosis
Tay Sachs
Myotonic Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy
Sickle Cell Anemia
Huntington's Disease
Hemophilia
Tay-Sachs Disease
And more

The main benefit of this type of diagnosis is to ensure that embryos with these genetic defects are not selected for implantation during IVF. Many of these conditions will lead to failed pregnancies, while others can result in severe disorders and disabilities in fetuses that survive pregnancy. PGT-M (PGD) allows us to help patients select the most viable, healthiest embryos possible for IVF. Once we are able to analyze several embryos, PGT-M (PGD) also gives us insight into why previous fertility treatments may have failed.

Sex Selection

Another benefit of PGT-M (PGD) is that it allows our patients to choose the gender of their children if they want. By testing for the presence of the Y chromosome in an embryo, we can select whether patients have male or female embryos implanted. Not only does this allow patients to choose the gender of their child, but it also allows us to avoid choosing embryos that might suffer from sex-linked genetic diseases, like hemophilia.

The PGT-M (PGD) Process

PGT-M (PGD) is performed after the sperm and eggs (either fresh or previously frozen) have been joined in our laboratory. Multiple studies have shown that testing the cells of a newly formed embryo is completely safe for its future development. In essence, this type of testing is very similar to the prenatal testing that is performed on fetuses in utero, but it is much less invasive. It also allows patients the chance to ensure that they avoid serious and potentially fatal complications.

Additional Testing Options

PGT-A (PGS) is another common type of test that is often used during IVF. This type of screening ensures that embryos have the proper number of chromosomal pairs (23) and are free from structural abnormalities. PGT-A (PGS) is commonly recommended for patients who are over the age of 35 or patients who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss.

Learn More During a Consultation

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, our team has the tools you need to make informed decisions regarding your fertility and plans for a family. To learn more about PGT-M (PGD), PGT-A (PGS), and other testing we provide, contact the Center for Fertility and Gynecology today.