Can PGD or PGS help improve the fertility rate?

“2 failed IVFs at SGF – all embryos tested abnormal. Wondering if the PGS was accurate. Looking for a recommendation on an acupuncturist specializing in fertility/poor egg. ”

Here is one of the questions from ladies who has the following fertility issues:

• Patients that are having IVF with advanced female age – 38 or older (common)
• Patients of any age with repeated IVF failure – usually defined as 3 or more failed attempts
• To screen for inherited genetic diseases
• Patients that are carriers of chromosomal translocations
• Patients that have had recurrent miscarriages

PGD and PGS normally are used equally by patients. However, the term PGD, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, is often loosely used to refer to any testing performed on an embryo prior to it being transferred to the uterus. PGS, preimplantation genetic screening, is the proper term for testing for overall chromosomal normalcy in embryos. PGS is not looking for a specific disease diagnosis – it is screening the embryo for normal chromosome copy number.

Even in theory, they can be helpful to screen the good embryo before IVF transfer back to the uterus. There have been some controversy studies about whether PGD testing of early embryos before the transfer will increase the chance of a successful outcome.

To tackle embryos with abnormal chromosomal arrangements, the solution seems to get back to improve the overall genetic quality of embryos. Then the issues can separate into women or men’s genetic conditions. Some cases depend on the genetic condition from both sides. In some cases, improving number of normal eggs retrievable is the only solution because the sperm genetic condition cannot improve.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are part of Chinese medicine to address the overall conditions and number of follicles. It can start independently of IVF/IUI because it is pure nature therapy. While patients are pursuing their deemed necessary examination or hormonal medical stimulation, adding or incorporating Chinese medicine can be a booster to improve the chance of success.