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
Frequently Asked Questions About ICSI and PGD Treatment
What is ICSI treatment?
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an IVF laboratory technique in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilization.
What is PGD treatment?
PGD, or Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, is a genetic testing method used to analyze embryos before transfer. It helps identify selected chromosomal abnormalities and supports the selection of healthy embryos.
Why are ICSI and PGD used together?
ICSI is used to fertilize the eggs in the laboratory, while PGD is used to genetically analyze embryos before transfer. Together, they help create embryos and select suitable ones for embryo transfer.
Which chromosomes are examined in PGD?
In this PGD process, chromosomes 13, 18, 21, and the sex chromosomes X and Y are examined. This helps detect selected chromosomal abnormalities before embryo transfer.
Who can benefit from ICSI and PGD treatment?
ICSI and PGD may be recommended for couples with advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriages, repeated failed IVF attempts, chromosomal abnormalities in one parent, sex-linked genetic disease risk, or a history of pregnancy with chromosomal abnormalities.
How does the ICSI and PGD treatment process begin?
The process begins with routine medical tests. Then, on days 2 to 4 of the menstrual cycle, ovarian stimulation injections are started to help the eggs mature.
Does the patient need to stay at the clinic during ovarian stimulation?
No. The patient may complete the first stage of treatment in her own country or region under the supervision of a local IVF-experienced doctor in coordination with the clinic. If preferred, monitoring can also be done at the clinic.
How long does ovarian stimulation take?
Ovarian stimulation usually takes about 10 to 12 days. The exact duration may vary depending on the patient’s ovarian response and treatment protocol.
How is egg retrieval performed?
When the eggs reach the desired maturity, a trigger injection is administered. About 36 hours later, the eggs are collected under light sedation so the patient does not feel pain.
Is egg retrieval painful?
Egg retrieval is not usually painful because it is performed under light sedation. The procedure generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of eggs collected.
What happens on the day of egg collection?
On the day of egg collection, sperm cells from the father are injected into the eggs using the ICSI technique. Fertilized eggs are then monitored in the laboratory.
When is embryo biopsy performed for PGD?
Embryo biopsy may be performed during embryo development according to the laboratory protocol. In this treatment process, embryo cells are biopsied and analyzed before selecting suitable embryos for transfer.
How quickly are PGD results available?
Because this PGD method screens a limited number of chromosomes, results may be available within a short time. In some cases, embryo transfer can be performed on the same day.
Can PGD detect all genetic diseases?
No. PGD does not detect all genetic diseases unless a specific test is planned. This process screens selected chromosomes and selected genetic risks according to the test panel used.
Does PGD help select healthy embryos?
Yes. PGD helps identify embryos without the screened chromosomal abnormalities, allowing suitable embryos to be selected for transfer.
Can PGD be used for sex chromosome analysis?
Yes. PGD can analyze X and Y chromosomes and may identify sex chromosome-related abnormalities. Gender selection may also be possible where legally permitted.
Does ICSI and PGD treatment guarantee pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy can never be guaranteed. Success depends on the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, number of eggs, sperm quality, embryo quality, uterine health, and overall treatment planning.
What affects pregnancy success in ICSI and PGD treatment?
Pregnancy success may be affected by maternal age, egg number, egg quality, sperm quality, embryo development, chromosomal results, uterine lining, and the experience of the IVF laboratory.
Is PGD more cost-effective than comprehensive chromosome screening?
PGD may be more cost-effective than broader genetic screening methods because it analyzes a limited number of chromosomes and provides faster results.
What should couples consider before ICSI and PGD treatment?
Couples should understand the ovarian stimulation process, egg retrieval, ICSI fertilization, embryo biopsy, PGD limitations, transfer timing, success rates, costs, and whether the test is suitable for their medical history.
