When we hear IVF, we only think of it as an infertility treatment, but the truth is that it can be used in non-infertility conditions too. The technique has become popular to reduce the chances of the fetus getting inherited diseases from the family. According to IVF doctor, the technique is quite effective in treating infertility as well as preventing the passage of genetic diseases. You can obtain further information at your nearest IVF centre . We are also going to provide some insight into the role of IVF in preventing the passing of inherited diseases to the offspring.
IVF procedure
IVF is a procedure that involves the fertilization of the embryo in the lab environment. The natural process which usually happens in the woman’s body can be simulated in the lab. The woman is stimulated to produce extra eggs in a single cycle. The eggs are extracted from the woman’s body and the sperms are extracted from the male’s body. The egg and the sperms are allowed to fuse in a lab petri dish. The embryos so formed are tested for their stability and robustness. After selecting the best embryos, one or two are implanted into the woman’s body.
The risk of cancer
Many families carry the risk of forwarding deadly diseases like cancer through the BCRA gene. In case one parent carries this gene, then there is a 50 per cent chance of passing on the disease to the offspring. The offspring has a high chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer due to the presence of this gene. Such families can opt for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before the implantation process. PGT eliminates the chances of the gene getting passed onto further generations. This IVF can be used to prevent the chances of getting stuck with the most common forms of cancer in the form of breast and ovarian cancer.
Apart from inherited cancers, IVF with PGT helps in eliminating the chances of other inherited conditions. Most of the carriers of this gene often don’t know that they are the carriers of this deadly disease. In case both the parents are carriers of the gene, they give their offspring a 25 % chance of getting the condition. Such families should opt for IVF with PGT to eliminate or minimize the chances of passing on the risk of getting this disease. It is highly recommended that you talk to your reproductive endocrinologist about your family history and reproductive options.
