Some couples may be at risk for passing specific genetic illnesses to their offspring. In these cases, the specific gene may be isolated in the man or woman and during an ICSI cycle a special biopsy can be taken of the embryos to determine whether any embryos carry that genetic mutation. This can help prevent transmission of the genetic illness to a child.
Many couples who become pregnant but have multiple pregnancy losses use PGD as a means of determining whether their losses are due to genetic reasons. Sometimes genetically abnormal embryos are created from genetically normal eggs and sperm. This information may become useful for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.
The information which can be obtained from embryo biopsies continues to expand. Please consult your physician to learn more about this process and to find out if PGD has any potential benefit for you.