Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) Abroad

Pre-implantation Genetic Screening, PGS or Aneuploidy Screening involves checking the chromosomes of embryos conceived by IVF or ICSI for common abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of the failure of embryos to implant, and of miscarriages. Chromosomal abnormalities can also cause conditions such as Down’s syndrome

PGS is the right option for women who are over 35 and have a higher risk of having a baby with a chromosome problem, who have a family history of chromosome problems, have a history of recurrent miscarriages, have had several unsuccessful cycles of IVF where embryos have been transferred or the partner's sperm are known to be at high risk of having chromosome problems.

Causes for infertility

In women

• Ovulation disorders
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Endometriosis
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Pelvic adhesions
• Cancer and its treatment

In men

• Abnormal sperm production or function
• Problems with the delivery of sperm
• Overexposure to certain environmental factors
• Damage related to cancer and its treatment

Symptoms of infertility

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms. Sometimes, an infertile woman may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. Rarely, an infertile man may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.

Treatment

The procedure for PGS is usually as follows:

• You undergo normal IVF or ICSI treatment to collect and fertilize your eggs
• The embryo is grown in the laboratory for two to three days until the cells have divided and the embryo consists of about eight cells.
• A trained embryologist will remove one or two of the cells (blastomeres) from the embryo.
• The chromosomes are examined to see how many there are and whether they are normal.
• One, two or three of the embryos without abnormal numbers of chromosomes are transferred to the womb so that they can develop. Any remaining unaffected embryos can be frozen for later use.
• Those embryos that had abnormal chromosomes are allowed to perish or may be used for research (with your consent).

Because many patients who receive PGS are older patients, patients with a history of miscarriages or other indications and also because many of the embryos produced are not suitable for transfer to the womb, the success rate of PGS varies considerably depending on the patient’s individual circumstances.

Benefits of PGS Testing

PGS testing can have multiple benefits for individuals looking to have a child.  Some of the benefits of include:

• With the information gained from PGS testing, the number of embryos with an incorrect number of chromosomes can be minimized before transfer to the womb.
• Having the chromosome status of each embryo typically increases the likelihood of achieving pregnancy with IVF.
• The most common reason for a miscarriage is due to chromosome abnormalities.  With an understanding of abnormal chromosomes through PGS, there can be fewer abnormal embryos transferred, and subsequently fewer miscarriages.

Having PGS as a tool in your reproductive care can provide you and your physician with more information about your embryos and aid in minimizing the risk of transferring embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.

Cost of PGS

The price for the Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) procedure in the U.S. can cost an average of $4,000 per attempt. This price usually doesn't include the fertility medications. Also, most of the times, these treatments are not covered by health insurances. The prices for this procedure in other countries varies from around $397 in Greece and $413 in Russia to $835 - $1,112 in Turkey and $2,395 - $3,346 in Poland.  

Finding PGS Doctors and Specialists

Obstetricians and gynecologists are trained to implement the initial treatments of infertility using Clomid. Such a physician or fertility specialist should be board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Couples should find specialists who are a member of endocrinologist organizations or technologies. As such, they have completed medical school programs, followed by four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology, and then, two to three years of training in fertility within an approved program that results in board certification.

If you want more information about the Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS), please contact us!