Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique that can be used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for a variety of genetic disorders.

PGD testing is done before the embryo is transferred to the uterus. This potentially decreases the risk of having a child with a serious inherited disorder.

PGD is performed in the laboratory by removing a single cell from each embryo. This cell is then analyzed for the presence of genetic disorders. Once a diagnosis is made, which usually takes about a day, only unaffected embryos are transferred back into a woman's uterus.

When is PGD used?

PGD may detect Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia A, Tay-Sachs disease and Turner syndrome, along with other disorders. It is generally used with couples who:

  • Have lost pregnancies due to genetic disorders
  • Already have one child with a genetic problem
  • Are carriers of a genetic disease

If you are considering PGD, talk to your healthcare provider about potential risks associated with this technique. Not all disorders can be detected with PGD.

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Indication:
For women, Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection), Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) and Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) are indicated for 1) the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure and 2) for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
For men, Gonal-f® is also indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the main cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure.

Important Safety Information:
These products should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Use of Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF by women can result in multiple births. Patients should let their doctor know of any allergic reactions to recombinant FSH preparations or other product ingredients. Patients should also inform their doctor of a history of cancer of the sex organs or brain and uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease before starting or continuing treatment. Women with a history of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina, swollen, enlarged, or painful ovaries should speak to their doctor before starting treatment. Gonal-f® and Gonal-f® RFF are potent gonadotropic substances capable severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women, which can result hospitalization. Women should inform their doctor if they experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, or weight gain while taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f RFF®. The most common side effects are headache, ovarian cysts, upset stomach, and sinus infections in women taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF. The most common side effects in men taking Gonal-f® are skin acne, breast pain and growth, and tiredness. Needle injections may cause some discomfort.

For more information, refer to the prescribing and patient information offered below and talk to your doctor.


© EMD Serono, Inc. CIM Last Update 2008-09-16
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