Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biol
Open Access

Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis: A Powerful Tool for Ensuring Healthy Offspring

Santiago Peristeri^{* *}Correspondence: Santiago Peristeri, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, USA, Email:

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Description

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a diagnostic procedure that allows for the identification of genetic defects in embryos created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) before implantation. This technique can help individuals and couples who are at risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children. It is a valuable tool that has helped many couples achieve their dream of having healthy babies. PGD is a relatively new technique and has become a popular option for couples who are carriers of genetic diseases. PGD is used to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before they are implanted in the uterus during IVF. The procedure involves removing one or two cells from the embryo and testing them for genetic abnormalities. This can be done by a variety of techniques, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH).

PGD can be used to detect a variety of genetic abnormalities, including single-gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and sex-linked disorders. Some examples of single-gene disorders that can be detected through PGD include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. Chromosomal abnormalities that can be detected include the Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome. PGD can also be used to determine the sex of the embryo. This can be helpful in cases where a couple has a genetic disorder that is specific to one gender. For example, hemophilia is a disorder that only affects males, so if a couple has a family history of hemophilia, they may choose to use PGD to select a female embryo to avoid passing on the disorder.

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis is a valuable tool that can help couples who are at risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children. It allows couples to have healthy babies and reduces the risk of passing on genetic disorders to future generations. While there are some concerns about the ethics and accuracy of PGD, it remains a popular option for couples undergoing IVF. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that PGD will become even more accurate and effective in the future. There are several advantages of using PGD. One of the main advantages is that it allows couples who are carriers of genetic diseases to have children without passing on those diseases. This can help prevent the spread of genetic disorders within families and can also reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders to future generations. Another advantage of PGD is that it can reduce the number of embryos that are implanted during IVF. This can reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the babies. PGD can also reduce the emotional and financial burden of multiple rounds of IVF.

Despite its advantages, PGD is not without its critics. Some people argue that it is unethical to discard embryos that are found to have genetic abnormalities. Others argue that PGD can lead to eugenics, as couples may choose to select embryos based on desired traits rather than solely on the absence of genetic disorders. There are also concerns about the accuracy of PGD. While PGD is highly accurate, there is still a small risk of misdiagnosis. In some cases, embryos that are thought to be healthy may be found to have genetic abnormalities later on.