Edited by the Chocoholic Girl

3. Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) involves checking the genes and chromosomes of embryos created through IVF (invitro fertilization).
The procedure involves undergoing normal invitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to collect and fertilize your eggs. The eggs are fertilised in the lab with your partner’s sperm. After 2 to 3 days, the embryo made up of around cells, an embryologist removes and tests one or two of the cells from the embryo. Based on test results, the disease-free embryo is transferred to your womb. Embryos that are affected by the condition are allowed to die.

Now for the drawbacks:
●It is impossible to estimate the success rates for PGD because there is little data available. In the US, in 2010, 311 women received 383 cycles of PGD. This resulted in 121 live births (live birth rate of 31.6% per cycle started).

● PGD is expensive, plain and simple. Consultations, laboratory testing, egg collection, embryo transfer, ultrasound scans, and drugs could rake up quite a sum. In 2015, initial consultation at Nordica Fertility Centre Ikoyi cost N200,000 with a cycle of the procedure + drugs cost about N650,000. Unfortunately, I don’t know the cost of PGD in Nigeria but in the US it’s about $9000 depending on the hospital.

● Many find this procedure controversial, beginning with fertilisation outside the womb which some perceive as “buying your baby” and then allowing affected embryos to die which others equate it to abortion saying “8 cells is still life and life is a child, you are killing sick children before they are born”

Related: Preimplementation Genetic Diagnosis in Nigeria: An Option for AS Genotype Couples

Here’s a list of IVF Clinics in Nigeria. I can’t confirm which perform PGD or any other procedure. Do call and make your own inquiry.

***
Liked this post? Do share it on your social media wall, timeline or feed
Want blog updates and promotions in your inbox
Sign Up Now