Frequently Asked Questions
Does taking cells harm the embryo?
Removing 1 or more cells from an early embryo does not prevent the embryo from growing into a complete pregnancy. All of the cells in the early embryo are capable of complete development. In fact, identical twins develop from a single embryo that splits in half. It is clear from this example that you can take away half of the embryonic cells with no harm to either half.
Why should I use IVF if I have not been diagnosed with infertility?
In order to have more than 1 embryo to test, follicle-stimulating medications
are needed to coax the ovaries to mature more than 1 egg at a time. We
also need to have access to the embryos before implantation so that 1
or more cells may be removed and used for genetic testing.
What should I know about infertility drugs?
The medications necessary to mature multiple egg follicles must be monitored
by measuring levels in the blood, as well as looking at the ovaries with
ultrasound. Your doctor will work with you to maximize the number of follicles that
form while using the lowest levels of medications necessary. IVF medications
have been used for over 20 years. Studies investigating long-term effects
of exposure to these medications have not identified risks for ovarian
or other cancers at levels above background risk. Short-term side effects
usually involve symptoms similar to those of pre-menstrual syndrome, although
some women may also have ovarian swelling and discomfort.
If I am having my PGD cycle at GIVF, then how long would I need to be at your office in Fairfax, VA?
We work with many patients from all areas of the United States and abroad.
If IVF monitoring is available near their home, a couple needs to arrive in Fairfax,
VA, a couple of days prior to the egg retrieval. On average, most women
need to be at our facility for just over a week.
How likely am I to get pregnant if I use
PGD?
Human reproduction is very inefficient, and the likelihood of getting
pregnant naturally in any given month is only around 10%. With the transfer
of 3 embryos on average, the pregnancy rate in our PGD program is 30-35%.
Many other factors may make the likelihood of getting pregnant
lower or higher. The decision regarding how many embryos to transfer is
made together with the couple to maximize the likelihood of achieving
pregnancy, but also to minimize pregnancies with multiple fetuses.
Have you experienced several miscarriages?
There are many possible causes for miscarriage. About 50% of first trimester miscarriages are due to a chromosome abnormality. This may be related to a woman's age or a rearrangement in a parent's chromosomes that predisposes the couple to conceive pregnancies with chromosome abnormalities. PGD can be performed for either of these possibilities. For women over 35, the greatest risk may be for aneuploidy, a pregnancy with the wrong number of chromosomes, such as Down syndrome. PGD for aneuploidy screening offer these women a greater chance of a successful and healthy pregnancy. If a parent has a balanced structural chromosome rearrangement, such as a translocation, a different type of PGD is available.
I want to learn more about PGD for aneuploidy
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