The risks associated with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) include:
Multiple pregnancy
This is the major complication of PGD . For women under the age of 35 and where the embryos are of good quality, we recommend that only one embryo is transferred, as the risk of complications is higher in a twin pregnancy. However sometimes we may recommend two embryos for transfer, which can result in a multiple pregnancy.
Our recent published research shows that transferring a single embryo does not decrease the pregnancy rate, but improves the chance of having a healthy pregnancy.
Overall our PGD twin pregnancy rate is around 19% (about 1 in 5 of all pregnancies).
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Some women respond very sensitively to the fertility drugs and develop OHSS. This is where many follicles are produced, which causes the ovaries to enlarge to up to three times their normal size. Your blood protein level drops, which causes fluid to leak out into the abdominal cavity or around the lungs. This can result in:
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problems producing urine
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mineral imbalances in your blood
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clotting problems
Symptoms of OHSS
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abdominal (tummy) pain and swelling
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passing small amounts of concentrated urine
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thirst
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nausea and vomiting
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diarrhoea
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dizziness
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shortness of breath
If you have any of these symptoms while taking the fertility medication, please contact us immediately so we can give you the necessary advice. Most cases of OHSS are mild and are resolved by drinking 3 litres of fluid and taking mild pain-relieving medication, such as Paracetamol.
While development of OHSS is more common in younger women and those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), it is not always predictable or avoidable. If we are concerned that you are at risk of developing moderate or severe OHSS we will keep you under regular review.
Having OHSS will not jeopardise the chances of you becoming pregnant.
Pelvic infection
Pelvic infection can occasionally follow an egg collection and, rarely, an abscess develops. We try to make sure this does not happen by performing the collection under sterile conditions and giving antibiotics to women who are at higher risk of infection. It is not always possible to prevent an infection, despite these measures. Symptoms of an infection include:
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pain
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bright red vaginal bleeding
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smelly vaginal discharge
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diarrhoea
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fever
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generally feeling unwell
If you develop a pelvic infection, we will admit you to St Thomas' Hospital| for antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, an operation may be necessary.
Other complications
There is a very small risk that the needle used for egg collection can puncture the bowel or blood vessels. The needle used is very fine and it is unusual to have any complications. Most cases of vaginal bleeding can be stopped at the end of the procedure by applying pressure to the puncture site. If there is a concern that a tiny hole has been made in the bowel, you will be given antibiotics.
Please contact us if you feel any of the following symptoms during your PGD treatment:
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pain in your tummy
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swelling/bloated feeling in your tummy
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nausea and vomiting – especially fluids
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you are passing a small amount of urine or if your urine seems concentrated
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diarrhoea
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shortness of breath
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feeling feverish, shivery or generally unwell
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heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding
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dizziness
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