Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

One possible cause of a failed IVF cycle may be an incorrect number of embryo chromosomes that have been inserted into the uterus. The condition of the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell (one extra or one missing) is called aneuploidy. While some types of aneuploidy lead to the birth of a child with Down or Edwards syndrome, in most cases aneuploidy ends in spontaneous abortion. With increasing age of a woman, the risk of aneuploidy rises significantly. Preimplantation genetic screening, which takes place during IVF cycle, is a method by which we can choose an embryo with a regular number of chromosomes that is suitable for transfer. Such an embryo has the greatest chance for implantation and it will lead to a healthy baby being born. As a result, PGS significantly increases the IVF cycle success rate.

Why PGS

• It excludes genetic abnormalities
• It decreases the number of spontaneous abortions
• It decreases the risk of complications in the course of pregnancy
• It shortens treatment duration and reduces the financial costs associated with the birth of a healthy baby by reducing the number of repeated cycles
• It reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies due to the transfer of one embryo that has the greatest chance of implantation
• It provides the patient with the necessary diagnostic data. Based on this, she may decide to have an additional IVF cycle or ask for eggs donation

Who is PGS for

Preimplantation genetic screening is recommended for couples:

• Of advanced age (female over 35)
• After unsuccessful IVF cycles
• In case of IVM (in vitro maturation of oocytes)
• Following cancer treatment
• In case of repeated spontaneous abortions, birth or abortion of a handicapped child
• With increased DNA fragmentation of sperm
• With severe impairment of spermiogenesis
• After extraction of sperm by micromanipulation techniques (MESA / TESE).

PGS procedure

After obtaining embryos with IVF – ICSI on the 3rd day of embryo development, a small laser incision is performed on the embryo shell. A growing blastocyst is extruded through this hole and 5-10 cells are removed. The embryos are frozen and samples with the cells taken are sent for examination to the genetic laboratory. Testing is performed in the genetic laboratory, which is very accurate and provides information on the number of chromosomes.