PGD testing: risks to embryo?

emgem819

My re is strongly recommending PGD testing with our ivf but the extra cost of $4500 is certainly a big addition to total costs.  Also I just read this about side effects that may be caused to the embryo: "In a mouse model study, PGD has been attributed to various long term risks including a weight gain and memory decline; a proteomic analysis of adult mouse brains showed significant differences between the biopsied and the control groups, of which many are closely associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers and Down Syndrome."(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preimplantation_genetic_diagnosis)  Does anyone know if these are valid studies?  We were going to go with PGD testing since we wanted the best chance possible and since I have pcos and am 37 it also seemed like a good choice.  But now I'm worried about it causing harm to the embryo.  Anyone heard this?  Have opinions either way?

laurenlalap

Sorry, I don't have any advice, but I'm following this as I'm sure the women on here will have good insight for you. My doctor also recommended it but we opted against it mainly due to the costs and potential side effects. I'm also young and we have no confirmed chromosomal issues - our secondary IF is unexplained so we decided against it.

emgem819

Thanks @laurenlalap sounds like you made the right decision as the extra cost is pretty big and you are young still.  I also went through pre-genetic screening and was cleared for no issues but I realize the chromosome abnormalities cannot be detected without PGS testing.  Hopefully some others will weigh in!

cmm012

I am also watching this thread. DH wants to move to IVF if this IUI is unsuccessful. He is very interested in PGS testing as well. I've been reading up on it, but have not found much.

emgem819

This board might also help give some advice from others: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/88535582#Comment_88535582
still wondering about the embryo risks however.

dragonfaerie

My understanding of PGS testing is that they are taking cells from outside the grouping that will actually become the baby, (more from the placenta than the little cells, can't remember the official name) so the risk is fairly low. I think it's just like anything else with IVF. Let's say twins occur naturally in 3% of births, in IVF they occur in 4% (I know that's not right, but just for example.) The increase in defects in IVF/PGS embryos is negligible. Our doc showed us numbers that looked like it was such a small increase of risk, if any.

wifeinraleigh28

Also wanted to jump in here and follow this thread now that we're moving to IVF.  I want to do all the testing that is recommended as well so we have the best chance of success.  Thank you for weighing in @dragonfaerie.

flanners1

I am 35 and my RE also recommended to do PGS due to age. I also have PCOS and had a whooping 18 embryos to test - it was extremely expensive because our IVF 'package' only included 8 embryos for testing. After testing, 7 out of 18 had abnormal chromosomes, apparently it can be up to 50% even. I'm really glad we did the testing because I wouldn't have wanted to try out 7 transfers and get my heart broken every time... That's why I personally think PGS is worth it, but again my age is a huge factor here. If you are younger with no family history, I think the stats completely change. Good luck