PGD cost in Nepal is an advanced medical procedure that plays a critical role in the realm of fertility treatments. It offers a way for couples facing fertility issues or a history of genetic disorders to increase their chances of having a healthy baby. For many couples in Nepal, PGD is a hopeful solution, especially when traditional IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) alone is not sufficient to ensure the health of their future child.
The PGD process works by screening embryos for any genetic conditions before they are implanted in the mother’s uterus, helping to detect chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic disorders. This process can be life-changing for couples who are worried about passing on certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or other serious genetic diseases.
While PGD offers significant benefits, it is important to understand that it comes with costs that can vary from one clinic to another. Factors such as the expertise of the fertility clinic, the number of embryos being tested, and the complexity of genetic testing all influence the price of the treatment. For couples who choose PGD, understanding the cost is a crucial part of the decision-making process.
In this article, we will explore in detail the PGD cost in Nepal, what the process involves, how it can benefit couples, and the factors that influence the overall cost. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the PGD treatment, its pricing, and how it compares to other fertility treatments, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether PGD is the right choice for you and your family’s future.
Let’s dive deep into it.
What is PGD?
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is an advanced procedure used along with In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It involves testing embryos for genetic abnormalities before transferring them into the uterus. This ensures that only genetically healthy embryos are implanted, reducing the risk of genetic disorders.
PGD is often recommended for:
- Couples with a history of genetic diseases
- Women of advanced maternal age
- Repeated IVF failures
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Severe male factor infertility
By identifying chromosomal or genetic problems early, PGD significantly increases the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Why is PGD expensive?
Many couples wonder why PGD costs are significantly higher than standard IVF. The reasons are:
- Advanced Technology: PGD involves sophisticated genetic testing techniques like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) or FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization).
- Specialist Involvement: Trained embryologists and genetic counselors are required.
- Laboratory Setup: State-of-the-art embryology labs and genetic labs are necessary for accurate results.
- Embryo Biopsy: Removing a few cells from the embryo without harming it is a delicate procedure needing expertise.
Thus, PGD is a highly specialized process, and the extra cost reflects the skill, technology, and care involved.
Factors affecting PGD cost in Nepal
Several elements can influence the final PGD cost:
1. Clinic’s Reputation
Top fertility centers with higher success rates might charge more but offer better technology and care.
2. Number of Embryos Tested
The more embryos you test, the higher the total cost will be. Some clinics charge a base fee for 5-8 embryos and additional charges for more.
3. Type of Genetic Testing
Different types of tests — like PGT-A (for aneuploidy), PGT-M (for monogenic diseases), or PGT-SR (for structural rearrangements) — have different prices.
4. Additional IVF Costs
Since PGD is part of the IVF process, any additional medications, donor gametes (egg/sperm), or freezing charges add to the total cost.
5. Patient’s Condition
Women with low ovarian reserves may need more stimulation drugs, raising medication costs.
How is PGD performed?
1. Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
The first step in PGD is ovarian stimulation, which is similar to the process in conventional IVF. The woman undergoes hormone therapy to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than just one. This allows for a higher number of embryos to be tested for genetic conditions. During this phase, the woman is closely monitored with regular ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure the eggs are developing as expected.
Once the eggs are ready for retrieval, the fertility specialist performs a minor procedure under sedation. This is typically done through a needle inserted into the ovaries through the vaginal wall, a procedure known as aspiration. The eggs are then collected and prepared for fertilization.
2. Sperm Collection and Fertilization
In this step, sperm from the male partner or a donor is collected. If the male partner has sperm issues, techniques like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be used. ICSI involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg to increase the chances of fertilization.
Once fertilized, the eggs begin to develop into embryos. These embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days, typically for 3 to 5 days, until they reach a stage where their cells can be analyzed for genetic material.
3. Embryo Biopsy
At this stage, a small biopsy is taken from each embryo. The biopsy involves removing one or more cells from the developing embryo, usually from the outer layer called the trophectoderm. The trophoectoderm is the layer of cells that will eventually form the placenta. Removing cells from this layer does not harm the embryo and does not affect its ability to implant in the uterus later.
The biopsy is crucial because it allows the genetic material from each embryo to be analyzed without affecting the embryo’s development. Only healthy embryos will be selected for implantation.
4. Genetic Testing
The biopsy samples are then sent to a specialized laboratory where genetic testing takes place. In the lab, the DNA from the cells is analyzed for any genetic abnormalities or conditions. The most common genetic disorders that PGD screens for include:
- Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or other genetic disorders caused by extra or missing chromosomes.
- Single gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or Tay-Sachs disease.
- Gender-related disorders, such as hemophilia, which is passed down through the X chromosome.
The genetic tests typically use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to examine the embryos. These methods can detect minute genetic alterations with incredible accuracy.
5. Embryo Selection
After the genetic testing results come back, the fertility specialists and genetic counselors review the findings. The embryos that are free from genetic disorders are selected for implantation, while those that show abnormalities are discarded. The decision to implant the embryos is made based on the couple’s genetic preferences and medical history.
Typically, only one or two healthy embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus. This helps reduce the risks of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets). In some cases, excess healthy embryos can be frozen for future use, providing the couple with additional chances for successful pregnancies in the future.
6. Embryo Transfer
The final step in the PGD process is the embryo transfer. This is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure where the selected embryo (or embryos) are carefully inserted into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure does not require anesthesia, and it is relatively painless.
After the transfer, the woman is usually asked to rest for a short period, but she can return to her normal activities soon after the procedure. The embryo is left to implant in the uterus, where it will hopefully begin to develop into a successful pregnancy.
7. Pregnancy Test
After about 10–14 days following the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to check for pregnancy. This test measures the levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced when a pregnancy is established. If the test is positive, an ultrasound scan is typically performed a few weeks later to confirm the pregnancy and assess the development of the embryo.
If the pregnancy test is negative, the woman may need to undergo additional treatment cycles. This could involve using frozen embryos if available or starting a fresh cycle of ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and PGD.
Is PGD in Nepal reliable?
Yes, absolutely! Nepal has emerged as a reliable destination for fertility treatments, including PGD. Top fertility clinics in Kathmandu and other cities offer international-standard care, experienced specialists, and the latest technologies at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Most clinics maintain high standards in:
- Laboratory conditions (sterile environment)
- Equipment (microscopes, genetic analyzers)
- Expertise (embryologists, IVF specialists)
Thus, couples can confidently pursue PGD in Nepal with excellent success rates.
Benefits of PGD
Choosing PGD offers multiple advantages:
- Reduced Risk of Genetic Disorders
Screening before implantation helps prevent serious genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and thalassemia. - Higher IVF Success Rate
Transferring genetically healthy embryos improves the chances of pregnancy. - Reduced Miscarriage Risk
PGD helps in selecting embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, decreasing miscarriage rates. - Family Balancing
Some couples opt for PGD for gender selection (where legally allowed). - Peace of Mind
Parents can rest assured about the genetic health of their future child.
Who Should Consider PGD?
PGD is especially recommended for:
- Couples with known genetic conditions
- Women over 35 years
- Couples with recurrent pregnancy losses
- Cases of multiple failed IVF attempts
- Severe male infertility (abnormal sperm parameters)
- Family history of chromosomal abnormalities
Even couples undergoing IVF without major risks can consider PGD for added reassurance.
Challenges and Limitations of PGD
While PGD is an incredible tool, it’s important to understand its limitations:
- No 100% Guarantee:
PGD greatly reduces the risk of genetic disorders but doesn’t guarantee a 100% healthy baby. - Ethical Concerns:
Some individuals are concerned about the ethics of embryo selection. - Expensive:
PGD adds significant cost to the already expensive IVF process. - Embryo Damage Risk:
Although rare, the biopsy may potentially harm embryos.
Being aware of these challenges helps you make an informed decision.
Choosing the Best Fertility Clinic for PGD in Nepal
Selecting the right clinic plays a crucial role in your PGD journey. Look for clinics that offer:
- Experienced IVF specialists and genetic counselors
- Success stories and good patient reviews
- Transparent pricing policies
- Latest PGD technologies
- Personalized attention and support
Some well-known fertility clinics in Kathmandu and other cities provide specialized PGD services, combining affordability with excellent outcomes.
Why choose the Nepal IVF Centre?
A compassionate service provider like Nepal IVF Centre is an expert in the field of parenthood and supports patients in making their parents’ dreams come true. We, at Nepal IVF Centre, have in place a fully experienced team that works round the clock to custom-create specialised IVF treatment strategies for all patients. We guarantee attentive and sophisticated care to all patients while using specialised technology to maximise success rates.
Our understanding of the IVF emotional journey enables us to actively support you throughout the process. Furthermore, my treatment options include very affordable and quality value statements, making IVF available to more families. Lastly, in our firm belief, the combination of success and comfort, along with a welcoming environment, makes us the best choice for people planning to start or grow a family.
Conclusion
PGD in Nepal offers couples a chance to welcome a healthy baby into their lives while minimizing the risk of genetic conditions. With costs significantly lower than in Western countries and clinics offering high standards of care, Nepal is becoming a sought-after destination for fertility treatments.
However, PGD is an emotional, medical, and financial journey. It’s important to discuss all aspects openly with your fertility expert. Choose a reputed clinic, understand the procedure, be financially prepared, and move forward with full confidence.
Parenthood is a beautiful journey, and PGD ensures that your first step toward it is safe, scientific, and hopeful.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does PGD cost in Nepal?
The average cost of PGD in Nepal ranges from NPR 3,50,000 to NPR 5,00,000, excluding IVF costs.
Is PGD included in IVF packages in Nepal?
Not always. Some clinics offer IVF + PGD as a package, while others charge separately for PGD.
How many embryos can be tested with PGD?
Usually, 5 to 8 embryos are included in the base PGD cost. Additional embryos may cost extra.
Can insurance cover PGD cost in Nepal?
Currently, insurance coverage for fertility treatments like IVF and PGD is rare in Nepal.
How long does PGD testing take?
The genetic testing process usually takes 7 to 10 days after embryo biopsy.
What if all embryos are abnormal after PGD?
If no healthy embryos are found, the cycle may have to be repeated, which would add to the overall cost.
Is PGD safe for embryos?
Yes. When performed by experienced embryologists, embryo biopsy for PGD is generally safe and does not harm the embryo’s potential for healthy development.