Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) Treatment in India for Nigeria

PGT Treatment in India for Nigerian Patients | Cost & Hospitals

For many Nigerian couples facing challenges with fertility or concerns about inherited genetic conditions, the path to a healthy family can feel uncertain. The decision to pursue advanced medical treatments like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) involves careful consideration, often coupled with anxieties about access, quality, and cost of care. Understanding your options is the first step towards clarity.

As more families seek specialized fertility solutions, looking beyond national borders becomes a viable consideration. India has emerged as a leading destination for advanced medical procedures, including PGT. Patients from Nigeria often explore India due to the availability of world-class fertility clinics and experienced specialists located across its major cities.

India's medical infrastructure is renowned for its blend of high-quality healthcare and affordability. The country boasts numerous accredited hospitals and fertility centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology, supported by highly skilled reproductive endocrinologists and geneticists. This robust system offers comprehensive care, building trust in India as a reliable choice for complex treatments like PGT.

Are you ready to discover the possibilities that PGT in India holds for your family?

Understanding Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing, or PGT, is an advanced genetic screening technique used in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It involves testing embryos for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus. This allows fertility specialists to select embryos free from known genetic issues, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby, while reducing the risk of miscarriage or the transmission of inherited diseases.

What Are the Types of PGT?

When is Preimplantation Genetic Testing Recommended?

• Advanced maternal age (typically 35 years or older)
• Recurrent miscarriages (two or more unexplained pregnancy losses)
• Multiple failed IVF cycles without a clear explanation
• One or both partners are known carriers of a single-gene genetic disorder
• One or both partners carry a chromosomal structural rearrangement
• Previous pregnancy or child with a chromosomal abnormality or genetic disorder
• To determine embryo sex for family balancing in specific medical cases

Initial Steps and Evaluation for PGT

• Comprehensive Fertility Assessment: Includes hormone tests, ovarian reserve assessment, semen analysis, and ultrasound scans for both partners.
• Detailed Genetic Counseling: A genetic counselor will review your family history, discuss potential risks, and explain the PGT process, helping you choose the most appropriate testing.
• Parental Carrier Screening: Blood tests may be performed on both partners to identify if they carry specific genetic mutations, which is crucial for PGT-M.
• IVF Readiness Evaluation: Ensures that both partners are medically fit to undergo an IVF cycle, as PGT is an integral part of the IVF process.
• Consultation with a Reproductive Specialist: To develop a personalized treatment plan and discuss expectations.

The PGT Process Step-by-Step

The PGT procedure is an advanced component of an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle, designed to enhance the selection of viable embryos.

What to Expect During Recovery After PGT?

Recovery from PGT primarily involves the recovery from the IVF egg retrieval procedure. Most women can resume normal, light activities within a day or two after egg retrieval, though strenuous exercise should be avoided. Following embryo transfer, a period of rest and specific medication protocols, such as progesterone support, are often recommended to aid implantation. Emotional well-being during the two-week waiting period for pregnancy test results is crucial, and support systems are often advised. There are typically no direct physical recovery implications from the PGT biopsy itself, as it is performed on the embryo.

Understanding PGT Risks and Success Rates

• Risks associated with IVF: These include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infection, bleeding, or discomfort from medication.
• Embryo Biopsy Risks: While rare, there's a minimal risk of damage to the embryo during the biopsy procedure.
• Diagnostic Accuracy: No genetic test is 100% accurate. There's a small chance of misdiagnosis (false positive or false negative), which might necessitate further prenatal testing during pregnancy.
• No Viable Embryos: In some cases, PGT may reveal that all embryos carry abnormalities, meaning no embryos are available for transfer.
• Emotional Stress: The PGT process can be emotionally taxing due to its complexity and the waiting period for results.

PGT significantly improves the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy live birth for specific patient groups, particularly those with a history of recurrent miscarriage, advanced maternal age, or known genetic conditions. Success rates vary depending on factors like the woman's age, the number and quality of embryos available, the specific genetic condition being screened, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. While PGT does not guarantee a pregnancy, it markedly increases the efficiency of IVF by selecting the most chromosomally normal embryos, thereby reducing the likelihood of early pregnancy loss.

Cost of PGT Treatment in India

The cost of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in India is a significant advantage for international patients, especially those from Nigeria. The overall expense is influenced by several factors, including the specific type of PGT required (PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR), the number of embryos needing biopsy and testing, the reputation and location of the fertility clinic, the specialist's fees, and any additional IVF medications or procedures involved. It is important to note that the cost of PGT is typically separate from the full IVF cycle cost.

Generally, the cost for PGT testing (per cycle, usually covering testing for several embryos) in India can range from approximately INR 1,50,000 to INR 3,50,000.

Comprehensive Support for Your PGT Journey in India

• Visa and Travel Assistance: Guidance on medical visa applications and travel arrangements for Nigerian patients.
• Accommodation Services: Help with finding suitable short-term or long-term accommodation near your chosen hospital.
• Language and Interpretation Support: Access to interpreters if needed to ensure clear communication with medical staff.
• Appointment Scheduling: Efficient coordination of all medical appointments, from initial consultations to follow-up visits.
• Local Transport Arrangements: Assistance with comfortable and reliable transport for hospital visits and local needs.
• Personalized Medical Guidance: A dedicated patient coordinator to support you throughout your treatment process.

Essential Documents for Your Medical Trip to India

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has sufficient validity for your intended stay.
• Medical Visa: Apply for a medical visa specific to your treatment duration.
• Comprehensive Medical Records: Including all previous fertility assessments, genetic test results, and relevant medical history.
• Referral Letter from Your Doctor: A letter from your local physician detailing your need for PGT.
• Proof of Funds: Documentation to show you can cover your treatment and living expenses in India.
• Proof of Relationship: If traveling as a couple, documents establishing your marital status.

Preparing for Your PGT Treatment in India

• Initial Remote Consultation: Schedule virtual consultations with Indian fertility specialists to discuss your case and treatment plan before traveling.
• Genetic Counseling: Engage in pre-travel genetic counseling sessions to understand the implications and process of PGT fully.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Follow any pre-treatment dietary or lifestyle recommendations from your doctor, such as avoiding smoking or alcohol.
• Medication Review: Discuss all current medications with your Indian doctor to ensure they are safe and compatible with your PGT protocol.
• Travel Logistics: Plan your travel itinerary, flights, and initial accommodation well in advance.

Aftercare and Follow-Up Post-PGT Treatment

• Medication Adherence: Carefully follow all prescribed post-transfer medications, such as hormonal support, to aid implantation and early pregnancy.
• Rest and Recovery: Ensure adequate physical and emotional rest following the embryo transfer, as advised by your medical team.
• Follow-up Appointments: Attend scheduled follow-up visits and pregnancy tests as per the clinic's instructions.
• Remote Monitoring and Support: Many clinics offer remote consultations for monitoring and addressing concerns after you return to Nigeria.
• Emotional Support: Continue to lean on support systems, as the post-treatment waiting period can be emotionally challenging.
• Clear Communication: Maintain open communication with your Indian medical team and your local doctor for continuity of care.

Ready to Explore Your PGT Options in India?

Begin your path to building a healthy family. Connect with our dedicated specialists today to receive personalized guidance and take the next confident step in your fertility journey.