When a genetic disorder runs in the family, trying to conceive can bring a unique kind of worry. Many couples feel torn between hope and fear, especially if they have already faced miscarriages, a child affected by a condition, or years of infertility treatments. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) can be an important option in these situations, helping you plan a pregnancy with more clarity and confidence.
At Rao Hospital, families across Tamil Nadu have trusted our care for generations because we combine compassion with careful, ethical decision-making. If you are exploring IVF and genetic testing, you can learn more about our approach at Rao Hospital and take the next step with the reassurance of a 70-year legacy.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): what it is and why it matters
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, commonly called PGD, is a form of genetic testing done during IVF. After eggs are fertilised and embryos develop for a few days, a small sample of cells is tested so doctors can identify embryos that are not affected by a specific inherited condition.
For couples with a known family history, PGD is not about “perfect babies.” It is about reducing the risk of passing on a serious genetic disorder and supporting a safer, more informed path to parenthood.
It also matters because genetic conditions are more common than most people realise. Population-level data suggests about 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect, and many conditions have a genetic basis.
When should you consider PGD?
PGD is often recommended when there is a clear medical reason, such as:
- A known single-gene condition in either partner or the family (for example, certain blood disorders or neuromuscular conditions)
- Previous child affected by a genetic condition
- Recurrent pregnancy loss, where chromosomal issues may be a concern
- Multiple failed IVF cycles with suspected embryo chromosomal problems
- Advanced maternal age, where the risk of chromosomal abnormalities rises
If you are also navigating PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, or age-related fertility decline, PGD can be thoughtfully integrated into advanced IVF and fertility treatments to improve decision-making around embryo selection.
PGD, PGT-A, and PGT-SR: understanding the types of embryo testing
Many patients hear “PGD” used broadly, but there are specific categories of preimplantation genetic testing. Here is a simple guide:
| Test type | What it checks | Often used when |
| PGT-M (often called PGD) | A specific single-gene disorder | Strong family history or known carrier status |
| PGT-A | Chromosomal number issues (aneuploidy) | Recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failures, age above 35 |
| PGT-SR | Structural chromosome rearrangements | Translocations, inversions in either partner |
Your fertility specialist will recommend the right option based on your history, reports, and genetic counselling.
What PGD can and cannot do (setting realistic expectations)
It is completely natural to want certainty, but it helps to understand the real promise of PGD.
PGD can help:
- Reduce the chance of passing on a known inherited disorder
- Improve embryo selection in specific scenarios, which may lower miscarriage risk
- Make IVF decisions more targeted and less “trial and error”
PGD cannot:
- Guarantee a healthy baby or a complication-free pregnancy
- Detect every possible genetic condition (testing is based on what is being screened)
- Replace the need for prenatal care and recommended pregnancy screening later
Large multicentre clinical reports over more than a decade have documented thousands of PGD attempts and hundreds of babies born following PGD, supporting that it is a well-established, clinically meaningful tool when used for the right indications.
Emotional and ethical concerns are valid, and you deserve support
For many couples, PGD brings relief. For others, it brings new questions: What if no embryos are suitable? Will we feel pressured? Are we doing the right thing?
At Rao Hospital, counselling and clear communication are part of ethical fertility care. We take time to explain options in a non-judgmental way, and we help you make decisions aligned with your values, medical needs, and emotional readiness.
Common questions couples ask (and honest answers)
- “Is PGD only for people who already have a genetic disorder?” No. It is often used when couples are carriers or have a family history, even if they are unaffected.
- “Does PGD help if the problem is male-factor infertility?” It can, depending on the cause. If sperm factors are linked to chromosomal issues, your fertility team may discuss appropriate testing as part of male infertility treatment Coimbatore couples seek when trying to improve outcomes.
- “How does this affect IVF planning and costs?” PGD adds steps such as genetic workup, embryo biopsy, and lab testing. If you are comparing IVF treatment cost in Coimbatore, ask for a transparent, itemised explanation and a plan tailored to your diagnosis rather than a one-size estimate.
Choosing the right team for PGD and IVF in Coimbatore
PGD needs more than a lab test. It requires experienced fertility doctors, careful embryo handling, strong quality controls, and coordinated counselling. As a pioneer in fertility care with 45+ years of expertise and over 30,000 successful infertility treatments since 1985, Rao Hospital is widely regarded as the best IVF hospital in Coimbatore for families who want both advanced care and a deeply patient-first approach.
To explore your options, you can also read about our fertility care and see how IVF and genetic testing are planned responsibly, step by step.
If you are ready to take the next step toward parenthood or need expert guidance on whether Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is right for you, the team at Rao Hospital is here for you. With over 70 years of compassionate care and more than 30,000 successful fertility treatments, you are in trusted hands. Call us at +91 96299 19191 or visit www.raohospital.com to schedule your consultation today.
