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Midwest Reproductive Center

Understanding PGS – How it can help you have a baby

Our Kansas fertility doctor believes PGS can increase IVF success rates

If you are suffering from the heartbreak that accompanies failed IVF cycles, recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility, preconception genetic screening (PGS) may provide you with the hope, help and answers you are looking for to start or add to your family.

PGS is a form of genetic testing that identifies chromosomal abnormalities in an embryo during a critical part of the IVF cycle. After egg retrieval and successful fertilization – but prior to implantation in the uterus, cells are safely biopsied from the embryo and then sent to a lab to be examined.

“The ability to select and transfer an embryo that is free of chromosomal abnormalities increases a couple’s chances for a successful pregnancy and healthy birth,” says Dr. Dan Gehlbach, a Kansas fertility doctor and founder of Midwest Reproductive Center.

PGS ensures embryo selection for IVF is based on chromosomal content rather than appearance

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, genetic abnormalities in an embryo or fetus are one of the most common causes of early pregnancy loss. A common genetic abnormality called aneuploidy involves the presence of too many or too few chromosomes instead of the usual 46. The result can be a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome or trisomy 21, which is identified through an extra chromosome 21.

“All women and men are capable of producing eggs and sperm that contain genetic abnormalities,” says Dr. Gehlbach. “PGS is a reliable reproductive technology because it allows us to predict which embryos are most likely to produce a successful pregnancy by evaluating their chromosomal content rather than evaluating solely based on their appearance under a microscope.”

The benefits of PGS

The benefits of PGS are many. If chromosomal issues are found during testing, couples may have the sought-after answers to their infertility. And because the risk of chromosomal issues increases with age, Dr. Gehlbach says PGS provides definite benefits for women over the age of 35 who are trying to conceive.

PGS also helps reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy because a single embryo, free of chromosomal abnormalities, can be transferred to the uterus,” says Dr. Gehlbach.

Contact our Kansas fertility doctor today to learn more about PGS and discuss your options.

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