PGD/PGS - what's the score?

[herbaceous]

Hello there

Those following the miscarriage thread will know that I've had four miscarriages in the past two years, the last two of which were due to chromosonal abnormalities, both trisomies.

As I'm getting on a bit - I'm 41 - I naturally want to get on with it, if it's going to happen at all.

One solution I'd hoped for might be IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or screening, to weed out the dodgy embryos. But everything I read is very contradictory - from the BBC saying it increases the chance of a successful pregnancy by 80%, to medical papers saying it can even make matters worse.

So... anyone got any advice? And how would I choose a clinic? Are GPs any use in this situation? Or maybe I should just keep going 'naturally', as I've just been v v unlucky?

Hi Herb

Sorry about the mc you have had

Do you or dp carry the chromosome abnormality? Were the pgs affected by same trisomy?

I have a balanced translocation so do carry chromosome abnormality - my dd has unbalanced translocation (5p deletion and partial trisomy 14q). I have also had multiple mc.

I did look into PGD. As far as I am aware, your best bet would be to be referred by a Genetics Councillor. Your GP can refer you but my understanding from other couples going through this is that it is a bit quicker going through GC. If you have any further questions ask away

More info here

I went to PGD talk with someone from Guys. Generally, PGD has about 1 in 3 success rate but this does decrease with age.

I reckon if you are concieving naturally and you can face going through it again, to keep trying (it worked for me) IVF/ PGD is another emotional rollercoster with its own stresses, strains and risks - not the 'magic bullet' for healthy pg by any means - though works for some.

hi ejb...

Thanks for your reply. The two chromosonal probs that I know of (for all I know, all previous MCs might be due to the same things, but were untested) were for two different trisomies - last September's was trisomy 18 and this March's was trisomy 13. Which is what makes it weird.

DP and I have had our karyotyping done and are both normal.

Where do you get a genetics counsellor?

We got referred to genetics counsellor after dd's abnormal karyotype. Like you, we were both tested. I guess we have carried on with them cos my karyotype came back abnormal. I think if you did wish to see one to discuss this stuff with yr gp should be able to refer you.

You know what though - I'd take it as v bad luck that this happened to you. T18 and T13 are 2 of the most common 3 chromo abnormalities that just happen sporadically. You should still have a good chance of chromosomally healthy pg. Pretty sure this is what a GC would say to you. Also, it unlikely you would get any funding for PGD as you are not carriers of any specific genetic condition (its a bit of a lottery even if you do carry something tbh)

Dunno if this gives you reassurance but myself and 2 others I know who carry genetic wrongness and only have 1 in 4 chance of 'normal' chromosome pg are all pg and have avoided passing it on - so it can and does happen.

Wishing you all the best x