Reproductive Genetics
At Houston Fertility Specialists, we make high-quality, reliable genetic screening and diagnostic testing for embryos available to all of our patients.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
Genetics is the main factor determining whether an embryo will result in the birth of a healthy baby. Even at a young age, many eggs are genetically abnormal. As a woman ages, egg count declines and genetic abnormality rate in the remaining eggs increases, leading to a lower chance for a normal embryo after fertilization. These genetic facts explain why pregnancy rates decline, early miscarriages increase, and conditions such as Down Syndrome increase as a woman ages.
Through a special collaboration with a world-leader in preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), Genesis Genetics, we are able to perform PGS prior to transfer on our very own campus at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. Genesis Genetics is a pioneer of preimplantation testing of embryos for inherited genetic abnormalities. The genetic tests are done on-site, and your samples are hand-delivered. You can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality testing with rapid results.
Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) can help to select those embryos with the best chance for pregnancy and limit the risk of miscarriage and Down Syndrome.
We recommend PGS to all of our patients.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Genetic carrier screening can help determine if you are at an increased risk of having a child with a serious medical condition. All of our patients are screened for genetic disease carrier status. If one or both partners are carriers for the same genetic disease, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be recommended to eliminate embryos with the genetic disease. Current technology allows us to screen couples for more than 100 genetic diseases. PGD can be combined with PGS to help you have a healthy baby.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be used to prevent transmission of these conditions to your child.
We encourage you to speak with one of our doctors about genetic testing and how these technologies can maximize your chance for a healthy baby.
