Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a procedure that is used before implantation to help identify genetic disorders  within embryos created through in vitro fertilization. This is to prevent certain diseases  and disorders from being passed on to  the baby.

How is PGD done

It  begins with the normal process of in vitro fertilization.  This includes egg retrieval and  and fertilization in the laboratory . The embryo divides into 8 cells  over the next three days.

PGD involves the following :

• one or two cells are removed from the embryo
• the cells are then evaluated to find out if  there is a presence  of  a problematic gene in the embryo through inheritance
• once embryo free of genetic problems have been identified after the procedure, the embryo will be placed back into the uterus and implantation is attempted
• any additional embryos that a problem free may be frozen for future use  and those with problematic genes are destroyed

Who can benefit from PGD

It can benefit any couple at risk of passing on a genetic disease or condition. These individuals are candidates for this procedure .

• carriers of sex linked genetic disorders
• carriers of single gene disorders
• women ages 35 years and older
• people with chromosomal disorders
• women who have experience recurrent miscarriages
• women with more than one fertility treatment

This procedure has also been used for gender selection. You have to know that discarding embryos based on only gender consideration  is an ethical concern for some people.

What are the benefits of PGD ?

Some of the benefits include the following :

• It can be used to test for more than  100 different genetic disorders
• the procedure is done before implantation therefore it allows the couple to decide whether they want to continue with the pregnancy
• it allows couple to pursue biological children who might  not have done so otherwise

What are the risks associated with PGD ?

Some of the concerns associated with this procedure include the following :

• most people believe that life begins at conception so the destruction of an embryo  is the destruction of a person
• it helps reduce the chances of having a child with genetic disorders however it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk

You have to remember that PGD does not replace  prenatal testing. If you are interested in this procedure , talk to your doctor or genetic counsellors .