Family Balancing

Genetics & IVF Institute: "FAMILY BALANCING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ


What is Family Balancing?
Even though each pregnancy has a 50% or 1 in 2 chance to be male and a 50% or 1 in 2 chance to be female, some families have more children of one gender. PGD for Family Balancing can help these couples have a child of the underrepresented gender in their family.
Does taking cells harm the embryo?
Removing 1 or more cells from an early embryo does not prevent the embryo from growing into a complete pregnancy. All of the cells in the early embryo are capable of complete development. In fact, identical twins develop from a single embryo that splits in half. It is clear from this example that you can take away half of the embryonic cells with no harm to either half.
Why should I use IVF if I have not been diagnosed with infertility?
In order to have more than 1 embryo to test, follicle-stimulating medications are needed to coax the ovaries to mature more than 1 egg at a time. We also need to have access to the embryos before implantation so that 1 or more cells may be removed and used for genetic testing.
What should I know about infertility drugs?
The medications necessary to mature multiple egg follicles must be monitored by measuring levels in the blood, as well as looking at the ovaries with ultrasound. Your doctor will work with you to maximize t"