Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

What is PGD and Its Significance

PGD is an analysis of embryo cells for genetic abnormalities, conducted before pregnancy occurs. Thanks to this diagnosis, doctors select only healthy embryos for transfer, increasing the chances of successful implantation and the birth of a healthy baby. This method is especially important for couples at high risk of hereditary diseases or with repeated IVF failures.

Goals and Objectives of PGD

The main goal of PGD is to identify genetic pathologies that may affect fetal development. The method's objectives include:

• preventing the birth of a child with severe hereditary diseases;

• selecting embryos with a normal chromosomal set;

• increasing the effectiveness of IVF and the likelihood of pregnancy;

• reducing the risk of miscarriage.

Indications for PGD

PGD is recommended in the presence of the following factors:

• woman’s age over 35;

• cases of chromosomal abnormalities in the family;

• repeated IVF failures;

• hereditary diseases in one of the partners;

• risk of transmission of monogenic diseases;

• recurrent pregnancy loss;

• male infertility factor with a high level of sperm DNA fragmentation.

Types of PGD

PGT-A — Diagnosis of Chromosomal Abnormalities

This type of diagnosis allows the detection of embryos with aneuploidies — abnormalities in chromosome number. It is used to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

PGT-M — Testing for Monogenic Diseases

Used when parents carry genes responsible for hereditary diseases (cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Marfan syndrome, etc.). It allows the selection of embryos without mutations.

Non-Invasive PGD

A modern alternative to biopsy, where the analysis is conducted using the culture medium in which the embryo developed. This method is under active study but already shows promising results. 

How is PGD Performed?

Stages of PGD

• IVF program and embryo retrieval.

• Embryo biopsy on the 5th day of development.

• Freezing of embryos until test results are obtained.

• Genetic analysis of cells.

• Selection of embryos with a normal genetic profile.

• Embryo transfer into the uterine cavity.

Preparation for PGD

Before the procedure, a consultation with a geneticist is held, medical history is analyzed, and information on hereditary diseases is gathered. The couple undergoes standard IVF preparation.

Evaluation of Results and Capabilities of PGD

PGD enables highly accurate detection of genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, significantly increasing infertility treatment effectiveness. However, the method does not guarantee 100% success — biological limitations still exist.

Advantages of PGD Over Other Methods

• High accuracy in detecting genetic pathologies.

• Increased probability of pregnancy.

• Reduction in the number of IVF attempts.

• Prevention of severe hereditary diseases.

• Ability to transfer only healthy embryos.

Safety and Accuracy of the PGD Method

Embryo biopsy is performed at the blastocyst stage when removing several cells does not impair development. Modern technologies allow diagnostics without harm to the future child. The accuracy of the method exceeds 95%, especially when using the latest genetic platforms.

PGD in Russia

Clinics

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is available in major reproductive centers in Russia. Leading clinics offering PGD include:

• EMC (European Medical Center) — one of the most modern private clinics with its own genetic lab;

• "Mother and Child" — a network of clinics specializing in reproductive medicine, IVF, and PGD;

• MEDSI — a multidisciplinary medical holding offering PGD as part of assisted reproductive technology programs;

Clinics use modern technologies and partner with professional laboratories, allowing for highly accurate PGD.

Cost

The cost of the procedure ranges from $1150 to $2500 depending on the method, the number of embryos analyzed, and the selected clinic. 

MARUS Assistance

The MARUS platform will help you find a reliable clinic that offers PGD in Russia and provide consultation on all stages of diagnosis and IVF. We support you every step of the way — from choosing a center to successful embryo transfer and the long-awaited pregnancy.