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By Healthtrip Blog Published on - 03 October - 2023

The Evolution of IVF and PGS in Thailand

The Evolution of IVF and PGS in Thailand
In recent years, Thailand has witnessed significant advancements in the field of reproductive healthcare, particularly in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF has brought new hope to couples struggling with infertility, offering them a chance to start or expand their families. Among the various techniques associated with IVF, Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) stands out as a powerful tool that can greatly enhance the success rates of this procedure. This blog explores the importance of PGS in IVF in Thailand, highlighting its impact on improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing the risk of genetic disorders.

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1.0. Understanding Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

1.1. PGS - A Brief Overview

PGS, also known as Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), is a cutting-edge genetic screening technique employed during IVF. It involves the examination of embryos before they are transferred into the uterus to identify genetic abnormalities, chromosomal anomalies, or any other irregularities that may lead to implantation failure, miscarriages, or the birth of a child with genetic disorders.

1.2. How PGS Works

PGS typically involves the following steps:

  • IVF Procedure: Eggs are retrieved from the female partner and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish to create embryos.
  • Embryo Development: Embryos are allowed to develop for a few days, usually up to the blastocyst stage.
  • Blastocyst Biopsy: A few cells from the outer layer of the embryo (trophectoderm) are carefully extracted.
  • Genetic Analysis: The extracted cells are analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities using advanced genetic screening techniques, such as next-generation sequencing or array comparative genomic hybridization.
  • Selection of Healthy Embryos: Embryos found to be genetically normal are selected for transfer into the woman's uterus.

2.0. Advantages of PGS in IVF

2.1. Improving Pregnancy Rates

One of the primary advantages of PGS in IVF is its ability to significantly improve pregnancy rates. By identifying and selecting embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, PGS reduces the chances of implantation failure and miscarriage. This is particularly beneficial for couples who have experienced multiple IVF failures or recurrent pregnancy losses.

3.0. Reducing the Risk of Genetic Disorders

PGS is instrumental in reducing the risk of genetic disorders in offspring. By identifying embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, PGS helps prevent the transfer of embryos carrying conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and others. This is especially important for couples with a family history of genetic diseases.

3.1. Increasing IVF Success for Older Women

Advanced maternal age is a significant factor in infertility. As women age, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs increases. PGS is a valuable tool for older women undergoing IVF, as it helps identify the healthiest embryos for implantation, increasing their chances of a successful pregnancy.

4.0. The Impact of PGS in Thailand

4.1. Advancements in Reproductive Healthcare

Thailand has emerged as a leader in the field of reproductive healthcare in Southeast Asia. The integration of PGS into IVF procedures has played a pivotal role in enhancing the success rates of IVF treatments in the country. Thai fertility clinics and centers now offer PGS as a routine part of IVF, providing couples with a higher likelihood of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

5.0. Enhanced Patient Care

The availability of PGS in Thailand has not only improved pregnancy outcomes but has also provided peace of mind to couples undergoing IVF. Knowing that the embryos selected for transfer have a higher chance of being chromosomally normal reduces the emotional and financial burden of repeated IVF attempts.

5.1. International Appeal

Thailand's emphasis on advanced reproductive technologies, including PGS, has attracted couples from around the world seeking high-quality IVF treatments. The country's expertise in this area, combined with a welcoming environment and competitive pricing, has made it a popular destination for medical tourism in the field of fertility treatments.

6.0. The Future of PGS in Thailand

The future of PGS in Thailand holds promise for further advancements in reproductive healthcare. Here are some exciting developments to look forward to:

6.1. Expanding Genetic Testing Options

As technology continues to advance, genetic testing options within PGS are expected to expand. This may include the ability to screen for a wider range of genetic disorders and more precise identification of abnormalities, leading to even better outcomes for couples undergoing IVF.

6.2. Personalized Medicine

The integration of PGS into IVF allows for a more personalized approach to fertility treatment. Clinics in Thailand are increasingly tailoring IVF protocols based on the genetic profiles of couples, optimizing the chances of success by selecting the most compatible embryos for implantation.

6.3. Research and Development

Thailand's commitment to research and development in the field of reproductive medicine is evident. The country is likely to continue investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques, ensuring that its fertility clinics remain at the forefront of IVF treatments.

7.0. Ethical Considerations

As PGS becomes more common in Thailand, discussions surrounding the ethical implications of genetic screening will gain importance. Clinicians, policymakers, and society at large will need to engage in meaningful conversations about the boundaries of genetic selection, ensuring that responsible and ethical practices are upheld.

7.1. Access and Affordability

Efforts to make PGS more accessible and affordable to a broader segment of the population in Thailand are expected. This will ensure that more couples, regardless of their financial means, can benefit from the advantages offered by PGS in IVF.

7.2. International Collaboration

Collaboration between Thai fertility specialists and experts from around the world will continue to enrich the knowledge base and expertise in reproductive medicine. This exchange of ideas and techniques will further enhance the quality of care provided in Thailand.

Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) has revolutionized the landscape of IVF in Thailand and promises to play an increasingly pivotal role in the future. As the country advances in genetic screening technology, patient care, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks, Thailand is poised to remain a beacon of hope for couples seeking to overcome infertility challenges and build healthy families.

The journey of PGS in Thailand is not just about improving the odds of successful pregnancies; it's about embracing innovation, compassion, and inclusivity in the field of reproductive medicine. As the nation continues to write this story, the importance of PGS in IVF in Thailand will shine brighter than ever, lighting the way for hopeful families around the world.

Read also Embryo Transfer in IVF: The Key to Fertility Success (healthtrip.com)


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FAQs

PGS is a laboratory technique used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders before they are implanted in the uterus.
PGS helps select the healthiest embryos, increasing the chances of successful implantation and reducing the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders in offspring.
PGS is particularly beneficial for couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages, advanced maternal age, or known genetic disorders. It can also be an option for those who have experienced previous IVF failures.
PGS involves the biopsy of a few cells from a developing embryo, followed by genetic analysis to identify chromosomal abnormalities. Normal embryos are then selected for implantation.
While PGS significantly improves the chances of a successful pregnancy, it does not guarantee it. Other factors, such as the woman's overall health, play a role in the outcome.
PGS is generally considered safe, but there is a small risk of harming the embryo during the biopsy. Additionally, false-negative or false-positive results can occur, although this is rare with modern testing techniques.
Yes, PGS typically adds to the overall cost of IVF. However, many couples find it a worthwhile investment due to the potential for improved outcomes and reduced emotional stress.
Ethical concerns can arise regarding the selection of embryos based on their genetic profile. This includes the potential for gender selection or the inadvertent discarding of embryos with benign genetic variations.
PGS is available in many countries and regions with advanced reproductive medicine facilities. It has become increasingly common as technology has advanced.
While PGS primarily screens for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders, it can also determine the gender of embryos. Gender selection for non-medical reasons is a subject of ethical debate and may be restricted in some regions.
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