Understanding PGT and What It Means for You
PGT, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing (formerly known as PGS) is part of the new terminology related to genetic testing of embryos for certain conditions, prior to implantation. This new term covers all tests performed to assess the viability and health of embryos. Prior to the implementation of this new term, you may have heard genetic […]
Do I Need Genetic Counseling Before IVF or Becoming Pregnant?
If you are planning to become pregnant, or preparing to go through IVF, take advantage of genetic counseling. Screening and counseling for genetic risks is a way for you, and your partner, to understand what possible health threats you bring to the pregnancy, due to medical conditions that run in your families. Genetic screening can […]
What is Sperm DNA Testing
If you have cause to question your fertility you aren’t alone. About 6.1 million women in the U.S. have issues getting pregnant or staying pregnant, according to the CDC. When a woman, or couple, experience difficulties in achieving pregnancy, they often turn to fertility testing in search of a cause. There are numerous tests you […]
Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
What is Pre-implantation Genetic Screening? Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of miscarriage in the first trimester and a leading cause of congenital abnormalities in live born infants. Unfortunately, rates of chromosomally abnormal embryos increase with maternal age, correlating with increased risk of miscarriage, genetic diseases, and infertility. For women between the ages 35-39 […]
Should we test embryos using PGS with IVF treatment routinely?
The short answer to this complex question is “no” but the common and popular current answer is probably in some cases. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) or some practitioners as they call it preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are tests that fertility doctors use to determine whether an embryo is genetically or more so chromosomally normal or […]
PGD (PGS) | PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC DIAGNOSIS (SCREENING)
PGD (PGS) refers to obtaining information about the genetic and chromosomal make-up of an embryo or egg prior to implantation. The goals of testing include improvement of the chances of pregnancy within an embryo transfer cycle, lowering the risk of having a miscarriage and increasing the likelihood of having a healthy baby. PGD can test […]
Should I test my embryos during my IVF treatment cycle?
Genetic testing has been in the news a lot lately. Unfortunately, a lot of what is being said and written is not accurate. While it’s quite a complicated topic, here are five facts that should give you a clearer understanding of the ins and outs of genetic testing, particularly as it relates to IVF. The […]
Should I test my embryos for BRCA gene mutation during my IVF cycle?
A recent announcement by Angelina Jolie has brought attention to BRCA gene mutation again and the increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. She announced her “double mastectomy” to minimize the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. In the near future, she will also announce removal of her ovaries to minimize the […]
Prenatal Testing for Chromosomal Abnormalities
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities has evolved significantly over the last 30 years. In the early days of fetal testing, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was used to obtain fetal cells to determine the genetic make-up of the fetus and more recently small amounts of DNA can now be examined for the diagnosis […]
