Higher Success Rates with PGT

Yes. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis has been legally permitted in Switzerland since September 2017. The approval of an ethics committee is required for it to be carried out. At Cada, we guide you through the entire application process.

In Germany, PGD is also possible in principle, but is subject to much stricter restrictions. The Embryo Protection Act of 1990 is one of the most restrictive regulations in Europe and limits, among other things, the number of eggs that may be fertilised per cycle. This can reduce the chances of having enough embryos for a meaningful genetic test. In addition, PGD may only be performed in a few specially approved centres in Germany. These restrictions do not exist in Switzerland, which allows for more flexibility in treatment.

PGD can be useful if there is an increased risk of genetic diseases or chromosomal disorders in the child. This is the case, for example, if

• one or both parents are carriers of a genetic disease.
• a child has already been born with a genetic disorder.
• the woman is over 35 years old, as the risk of chromosomal disorders increases as the mother gets older.
• there is a history of several miscarriages.
• several unsuccessful IVF attempts have been undertaken.

PGD is a very safe method, but not a 100% guarantee. The accuracy of the diagnosis is over 99%. In rare cases, it can happen that a genetic change is overlooked or that an embryo is wrongly categorised as diseased.

Genetic testing of the embryo can be worthwhile for couples who have an increased risk of genetic diseases or chromosomal disorders in the child. It can help to increase the probability of a pregnancy with a healthy child and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

PGD comprises various procedures:

• PGT-A (pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy): This involves analysing the number and structure of the embryo's chromosomes. Aneuploidies are numerical chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to miscarriages or genetic diseases such as trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome).
• PGT-M (pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenetic diseases): This involves a targeted search for a specific genetic change that causes a monogenetic disease, e.g. cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease.
• PGT-SR (pre-implantation genetic testing for structural chromosomal abnormalities): This examines structural changes in the chromosomes, e.g. translocations or inversions.

The costs of PGD are not covered by compulsory health insurance (OKP) in Switzerland. Any assumption of costs by the health insurance fund must be checked on a case-by-case basis.

No. PGT can lower the risk of certain genetic conditions and miscarriages, but it does not replace prenatal diagnostics during pregnancy. We still recommend the usual pregnancy check ups after PGT. This includes ultrasound scans, the first trimester test and, if needed, NIPT or further tests to monitor your baby’s development.

No. In Switzerland it is legally forbidden to choose the sex of a child for non medical reasons.

PGT can improve the chances of an IVF treatment, especially for women over 35, for couples with repeated miscarriages or with known genetic problems. By excluding embryos with clear chromosomal errors, PGT can increase implantation rates and reduce miscarriage rates.

Your individual chances depend on several factors, such as your age, your ovarian reserve, sperm quality and any existing medical conditions. We discuss these factors in detail with you during the first consultation.

Your genetic data and results are stored according to strict data protection regulations and are only accessible to the healthcare professionals directly involved in your care. Embryos are stored in our IVF laboratory under controlled conditions using cryopreservation. They are only used further or discarded with your written consent.