Dr. James Douglas, IVF Plano Improves Embryo Genetic Testing Procedures to Increase IVF Success Rates and Pregnancies

Dr. James Douglas, IVF Plano Improves Embryo Genetic Testing Procedures to Increase IVF Success Rates and Pregnancies

Plano, Texas (PRWEB) December 14, 2011

IVF Plano announces an improved screening technique that will increase pregnancy rates and help prevent miscarriages for some couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). A new technique in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) replaces inspection of the genetic material in one cell from an embryo on the third day after IVF egg retrieval, with a more accurate, complete genetic analysis of multiple cells on five-day-old embryos.

Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. James Douglas, M.D., explains that the latest screening standard will enable fertility doctors to more accurately predict which embryos carry chromosomal abnormalities, called aneuploidy and which embryos are more likely to survive implantation to continue to develop into viable pregnancies.

“I routinely counsel couples with a family history of genetic conditions such as sickle cell, cystic fibrosis or those concerned about having a child with chromosomal abnormalities to consider PGD,” says Dr. Douglas. “With the latest PGD developments, I can now reassure these intended parents that we can identify and transfer embryos most likely to result in a viable pregnancy.”

In the past, the fertility lab would analyze the genetic material from one cell biopsied from an eight-cell embryo, three days after combining egg and sperm in a laboratory petri dish. The assessment was somewhat flawed due to the limited amount of genetic material available in the 8 cell embryo.

The improved technique delays the inspection to the fifth day after sperm fertilizes the egg, when the embryo develops to 60 to 80 cells. This new longer growth window gives fertility doctors access to a better genetic sample with several cells instead of just one. A more developed embryo is also more likely to survive the trauma of having one or two cells removed.

PGD is an appropriate therapy for couples in which the female partner is 35 years of age or older; the female partner has had recurrent miscarriages of unknown cause; or a previous child or pregnancy has had a chromosome abnormality. Certain ethnic backgrounds linked with known genetic illness benefit from PGD as well. For instance, African-Americans concerned with passing down sickle cell anemia or Eastern European Jewish descendants who may be carriers of the genetic condition Tay Sachs may consider PGD.

As part of the IVF process, the new PGD protocol of analyzing Day 5 embryos suspends the final transfer stage by at least a month. Embryos selected for transfer into the mother’s or gestational carrier’s uterus are preserved using a revolutionary fast-freezing process called vitrification. This newer quick freeze method of preparing embryos for storage, results in less damage during freezing and therefore a better chance of embryo survival with the thaw process.

“Day 5 PGD is a new and exciting development in assisted reproductive technology. I am eager to share this option with couples who struggle with infertility or inheritable genetic illnesses,” says Douglas. “IVF Plano continues to provide leading edge fertility treatment and diagnostic therapies that help sustain life and create families.”

About IVF Plano

For over 20 years, Dr. James Douglas and the team at IVF Plano fertility clinic have served the Dallas area, offering advanced diagnostic tools, the latest treatments for infertility and exceptional pregnancy rates. Dr. Douglas has helped thousands of patients in the Plano TX area achieve their goals of starting or expanding their families. For more information about the clinic, please visit http://www.ivfplano.com

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