SAEDNEWS: By analyzing embryos before implantation, their sex can be identified. Using PGD, families can choose embryos of a desired sex, helping balance family gender composition.
According to Saed News Family Magazine, one of the main concerns for many parents during pregnancy is determining the sex of the fetus. In the past, due to larger family sizes and multiple pregnancies, having both boys and girls was more common. However, in modern lifestyles, with fewer children, some couples prefer to have a child of a specific gender. Currently, the only reliable method for gender selection before pregnancy is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), performed during in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you want to learn more about this method, read on.
PGD Method for Gender Selection
At present, the only 100% accurate method for determining a baby’s sex is PGD. In this approach, couples undergo assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF. Fertilization takes place in a laboratory, and once embryos are formed, but before they are transferred to the mother’s uterus, PGD is used to identify their gender. Only embryos with the desired sex are then selected for transfer, initiating pregnancy.
What Is PGD?
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a test performed before pregnancy. It is primarily used to prevent genetic disorders in offspring. Depending on each couple’s condition, different types of PGD may be used. This genetic testing is carried out on embryos created through IVF. Embryos identified as healthy are transferred to the mother’s uterus, where they implant and develop into a healthy baby.
What Is Gender Selection with PGD?
By analyzing the genetic material of embryos before implantation, it is possible to determine their sex. Using PGD, families can select embryos of their preferred gender, helping them achieve a desired balance in their children.
How Is PGD Performed?
When an embryo reaches the 6- to 10-cell stage (about three days after egg retrieval), a single cell is carefully removed for testing. This process is generally not harmful to the embryo because, at this stage, all cells are still identical and have not yet specialized. The extracted cell is analyzed to determine the embryo’s genetic status, including its sex.
Other Applications of PGD
PGD has many important applications beyond gender selection. It is especially valuable for couples at high risk of passing genetic diseases to their children. This method can be considered an early form of prenatal diagnosis. By using PGD, couples can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing to terminate a pregnancy due to genetic abnormalities. PGD complements assisted reproductive technologies and requires IVF to create embryos for testing.
Cost of PGD
Since PGD is often not considered medically necessary for gender selection, many health insurance plans do not cover its costs. As a result, couples usually have to pay for the procedure themselves, and it can be quite expensive. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that couples seek genetic counseling before making a decision, so they can fully understand the process and its implications.
