Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Explained

Thinking about having a baby but worried about passing on a genetic condition? Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD, lets you screen embryos during IVF before they are transferred. This means you can pick the healthiest embryos and reduce the chance of a serious inherited disease. It’s a powerful tool for families with a history of disorders like cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, or Huntington’s disease.

How PGD Works Inside an IVF Cycle

The process starts the same way as standard IVF: hormone injections stimulate the ovaries, eggs are retrieved, and fertilized with sperm in the lab. When the fertilized eggs become embryos, they reach the 8‑cell stage (day 3) or the blastocyst stage (day 5‑6). At this point, a tiny few cells are safely removed for genetic testing.

Lab technicians examine the DNA for the specific mutation you’re concerned about. If the embryo carries two copies of the faulty gene, it’s usually discarded. Embryos with no mutation or only one copy (carriers) are considered safe for transfer, depending on the advice of your genetic counselor.

After testing, the selected embryos are frozen while the results are reviewed. Once you get the green light, the best embryo is thawed and placed into the uterus, just like a regular IVF transfer.

Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect

PGD gives you a higher chance of a healthy pregnancy and can spare you the heartbreak of learning about a genetic disease after birth. It also reduces the need for prenatal testing later on. However, it’s not free from downsides. The extra lab work adds cost, and not every clinic offers PGD for every condition. There’s also a small risk that the embryo can be damaged during the biopsy, though modern techniques have made this risk very low.

Before you start, you’ll meet a genetic counselor who explains which conditions can be tested, the success rates, and the financial side. Most couples need a few cycles to get a matching healthy embryo, so patience is key. Keep in mind that lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking, still play a big role in IVF success.In India, many top IVF centers now provide PGD with fast turnaround times. Regulations require a thorough medical review, so make sure the clinic follows the latest guidelines from the National Board of Accreditation.

Bottom line: PGD can give you peace of mind and a clearer path to a healthy baby, but it’s important to understand the process, costs, and realistic expectations. Talk to your fertility specialist and a genetic counselor to see if PGD fits your family’s needs.