6 minute read

Reproductive Science Center of NJ

Preimplantation Genetic Testing and In-Vitro Fertilization

With the ever-increasing awareness and use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy, women may be surprised to learn that their embryos can be tested to check for problems that may affect their likelihood of a successful pregnancy and the future health of their offspring. Preimplantation genetic testing can be performed on high-quality embryos, and this technology can improve the selection of a genetically normal embryo that in turn has the possibility of reducing future genetic disease.

Advertisement

What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?

PGT is a laboratory technique where a few cells of an embryo are removed and tested, providing genetic information that is used to select the best embryo/embryos suitable for transfer. Patients undergo an IVF cycle, and embryos are then tested either for their chromosome number or for a specific genetic mutation.

What tests are done with PGT?

Embryos undergo genetic testing to check for either a specific disease, or are screened to look at the number of chromosomes present. The results tell whether an embryo carries a specific genetic mutation, or if it has a normal number of chromosomes. There are two techniques that correspond to each testing condition. This includes preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS).

What is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?

For women with hereditary or familial cancers, one way to avoid the risk of potentially transmitting genetic mutations is to perform PGD. PGD involves testing for specific genetic mutations, such as the BRCA breast cancer gene, cystic fibrosis, and other single-gene disorders. PGD can dramatically decrease the chances of disease in patients undergoing IVF.

What is preimplantation genetic screening (PGS)?

PGS involves testing an embryo for chromosome abnormalities and chromosome number. This testing becomes more important in older women or in those with advanced ovarian aging following fertility testing. It does not test for specific genetic mutations or diseases as with PGD. Since many women and men will have eggs and sperm that are not chromosomally normal, use of PGS can help increase the pregnancy success following IVF and embryo transfer.

What is the success rate for PGT?

Although both PGD and PGS utilize the latest cutting-edge laboratory technologies and are helpful in selecting the best embryos for transfer into the uterus, the success and pregnancy rates are affected by many factors. This includes the age of the patient, presence of good ovarian reserve, and creation of fairly large numbers of high-quality embryos for testing. Your individual success rate should be discussed with your physician, and a tailored treatment plan will be constructed to give you the highest chance of pregnancy and delivery of a healthy child.

Should I have PGT done?

We welcome you to schedule an appointment in our office to speak with one of our physicians about whether PGT is right for you. At the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey, we are available to answer your fertility questions, perform a complete fertility evaluation, and present you with individualized options for conception, all in a comfortable, caring setting. We are a fullservice fertility center experienced in all the latest technologies and look forward to helping you achieve success.

For more information call our Eatontown office number at 732-918-2500 or visit www.FertilityNJ.com.

Happy Father’s Day Helping Small Miracles Happen

• Comprehensive Fertility Care • InVitro Fertilization (IVF) • Intrauterine Insemination • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) • Preimplantation Genetic Testing • Egg Freezing • Donor Egg • Treatment for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss • Advanced Robotic Reproductive Surgery

The Compassionate Connection

Pictured (L-R): Dr. William F. Zeigler • Dr. Alan M. Martinez

We are Open and Offering Telehealth Appointments

Eatontown • Toms River • Lawrenceville 732-918-2500 • FERTILITYNJ.COM

Personalized Treatment Plans Free Phone Consultations

“Who’s my hero? That’s a great question... Well, I think my dad is my hero, because he’s someone I look up to every day.” Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate the joys of having a father. There is simply no way we can ever really thank our father for all he has done for us. On June 20th, strive to make Father’s Day absolutely hassle free for your father and take the responsibilities on yourself for a day. Pamper him a little on this special day of his just as he pampers you all the year round. Give him a warm hug and a big kiss as you wish him a Happy Father’s Day!

Aesthetic Dental Creations is Pleased to Offer the Following Services:

• General and Family Dentistry • Free Cosmetic Consultations • Aesthetic Onlays and Inlays • All Porcelain Crowns (Non-Metal) • Invisalign® • Implant Crowns • Periodontal Therapy • TMJ Therapy • Dentures/Aesthetic Partial Dentures • Facial Esthetics (such as Botox®) • Non-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Balaji Srinivasan

graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE in 1994. He completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in 1995. He is the alumni of the world famous Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and member of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics. He also lectures at Monmouth Medical Center.

Balaji Srinivasan, DDS

Creating relationships are the hallmark of Aesthetic Dental Creations office operations. Located in Jackson NJ our dental office offers dental services for both Monmouth and Ocean County NJ residents along with other surrounding towns and counties.

What our happy patients have to say…

“Dr. Balaji and his team are the best. They explained everything they were doing, kept checking to see if I was okay, and made me feel at ease. Dr. Balaji was excellent with the Novocaine injection, so much so that I barely felt anything. And Kara called the next day to check and see how I was feeling. Top notch office!” - DP ———————————————————————————————————————————— “Dr. Balaji and his entire staff are outstanding! So if you’re looking for dentist or afraid of going to the dentist but needs to go, I truly recommend Aesthetic Dental Creations. Super professional and oh so friendly. And Dr. Balaji ... so very nice, comforting, and gentle. They really care about their patients.” - GC ———————————————————————————————————————————— “All my life I wanted to get my teeth fixed. I never had that perfect smile. My fear of the dentist stopped me from ever getting any work done. Finally I got up the nerve and was referred to Dr. Balaji. Immediately when I went for my consultation I knew I was in good hands. Dr Balaji talked through my fears with me and put me completely at ease. After a couple of visits I have the smile I always wanted. My favorite moment was when the temporaries went in he handed me a mirror and when I smiled, tears immediately started falling. Perfection! I owe it all to Dr. Balji and his AMAZING staff. They care about their patient and you feel that way everytime you walk through the door. Even a cleaning is a pleasure now! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!” - CR