ICSI, PGD TREATMENT PROCESS (IVF, Genetic Diagnosis)
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) is a genetic analysis technology that examines chromosomes 13, 18, 21, and the sex chromosomes X and Y. For PGD, embryos are biopsied on day 5, early in the morning. Results are available within 3 hours, and the transfer can be performed on the same day. Since only a limited number of chromosomes are screened, this method provides faster results and is more cost-effective.
PGD is increasingly used worldwide and in our country among IVF patients. It is especially recommended for couples with a high risk of creating embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, such as:
Advanced maternal age
Couples with a family history of sex-linked diseases
Recurrent miscarriages
Repeated failed IVF attempts
Chromosomal abnormalities in one of the parents (such as translocations or inversions)
Couples with a history of pregnancy affected by chromosomal abnormalities
Treatment Process
The first stage begins with routine medical tests.
On days 2–4 of her menstrual cycle, the mother-to-be begins preliminary treatment with injections to stimulate egg maturation. She does not necessarily need to be at our center for this stage; she may continue under the supervision of a local doctor (preferably experienced in IVF), in coordination with our team. If she wishes, the entire monitoring process can also be carried out at our center.
Within about 10–12 days, once the eggs reach the desired maturity, the egg retrieval procedure is scheduled. An injection is administered at the time we determine to trigger ovulation, and about 36 hours later, the eggs are collected under anesthesia. This anesthesia is not surgical but a light sedation, ensuring the patient feels no pain. It is not connected to a respirator, and the procedure only lasts 10–15 minutes, depending on the number of eggs, so the mother-to-be remains comfortable.
On the day of egg collection, sperm cells from the father are injected into the eggs using the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technique. The fertilized eggs are monitored in the laboratory, and on day 3, a single cell from each embryo is biopsied and analyzed. Once healthy embryos are identified, they are transferred into the uterus, completing the treatment.
In this treatment, even if the patient has previously conceived or given birth, the pregnancy chance is never 100%. Pregnancy rates vary depending on the patient’s age, the number of eggs, and the quality of the embryos.
Stay Healthy,
Cyprus American IVF Center
