FAQs - All
GENERAL FAQS
Where are you located?
We have locations around the world. Please visit our location addresses.
What are your hours?
We are always open. However, our office hours are available by calling 773.472.4900.
Can we e-mail you?
Yes! Please email us using the Contact us Form.
Who are the physicians at your clinics?
Please visit our Meet our Staff page.
INFERTILITY FAQs
My husband and I have an active sex life. We are both healthy, and my periods are regular, however, we have still not conceived ! Please help!
You need to remember that it's not possible to determine the reason for your infertility until you undergo tests to find out if your husband's sperm count is normal; if your fallopian tubes and uterus are normal; and if you are producing eggs. Only after undergoing these tests will your doctor be able to tell you why you are not conceiving.
How can I determine my "fertile" period?
Your fertile period is the time during which having sex could lead to a pregnancy. This is the 4-6 days prior to ovulation ( release of a mature egg from the ovary). Women normally ovulate 14 days prior to the date of the next menstrual period.
My periods come only once every 6 weeks. Could this be a reason for my infertility?
As long as the periods are regular, this means ovulation is occurring. Some normal women have menstrual cycle lengths of as long as 40 days.
My colleagues at work tell me that if we "work" hard at getting pregnant, and want it enough, we definitely will!
Unlike many other parts of your lives, infertility may be beyond your control. Don't blame yourself if you are not getting pregnant - it's a medical problem which often needs appropriate medical treatment.
I don't think infertility treatment should not be offered in some countries where there are too many babies already.
The right to have children is a fundamental right of every human being and a very basic biological urge. Just because a neighbour has too many children should not deprive the infertile couple of their right to have their own.
PRENATAL GENETICS FAQs
What is Prenatal Genetic Counseling?
Prenatal Genetic Counseling helps individuals at risk for a disorder understand the risks and consequences of a condition, and the chances that they or their children will develop or transmit the condition, and ways in which the condition can be prevented, avoided or ameliorated.
What’s the value of Cord Blood Banking?
Preserving cord blood stems cells may be considered a form of life insurance for your child. This particularly applies to many families with a history of malignancies like leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma or non-malignant, often genetic diseases like Aplastic Anemias, Fanconi's anemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, or Thalassemia.
PGD FAQs
What is preimplantation genetic diagnosis?
By definition, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is diagnosis of a genetic condition prior to achievement of a pregnancy. PGD was first performed in the early 1990’s as a way for couples to prevent the pregnancy of a child with genetic disease. Currently, we are able to perform PGD for many genetic conditions including single gene disorders and for chromosomal abnormalities. At the Reproductive Genetics Institute, we have been performing PGD since it became available in 1990. We pioneered the polar body removal technology and are one of the most active centers offering PGD in the world. Our laboratory technicians are well trained in the techniques involved.
What are chromosomes?
Chromosomes are the structures in our cells that carry our genetic information or genes. Our genes determine our physical makeup, growth and development. Normally, we have 46 chromosomes in each cell. Our children inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, in the egg and sperm. A woman’s risk for having an abnormal number of chromosomes in her eggs increases with her age. Preimplantation genetic testing will detect the most common chromosomal abnormalities found during pregnancy. This includes Down syndrome, trisomy 13 and trisomy 18.
How can PGD help my family and me?
Preimplantation genetic testing is currently the only way to determine if the egg or embryo contains an abnormal number of chromosomes prior to pregnancy. This may not only contribute to the prevention of the birth of children with common chromosomal abnormalities, but also to the efficiency of IVF. PGD for chromosome problems can increase the chance of an embryo implanting, decrease the chance of miscarriage and decrease the likelihood of having a pregnancy with a chromosome problem (like Down syndrome). In essence, PGD can give your physician another way to determine which are the best embryos for transfer.
How is the testing performed?
There are two basic types of preimplantation diagnosis—polar body analysis and embryo analysis. Both types have their advantages and their limitations. Polar body testing focuses on the maternal contribution, and is an earlier method of testing which in some instances may have a higher accuracy. Embryo testing accounts for both maternal and paternal genetic contributions but occurs later and may not be as accurate.
What are polar bodies?
Polar bodies are the byproducts of the egg’s division. As an egg matures, it goes through a twostep division process, dividing once at the time when ovulation would occur and again at the time of fertilization. The two polar bodies are the products of this division which are essentially being discarded by the egg (oocyte). By analyzing the polar bodies, it is possible to infer the genetic status of the oocyte. Generally for aneuploidy, both polar bodies are removed following fertilization.
What is an embryo biopsy?
When an embryo becomes a 610 celled mass (approximately 3 days after egg retrieval), it becomes possible to directly test the embryo through removal of a single cell. Removal of this cell is usually not detrimental to the embryo, as all the cells are equivalent and no cell differentiation has occurred. The cell that is removed may then be analyzed to determine directly the genetic status of the embryo.
What is F.I.S.H. analysis?
F.I.S.H. (fluorescent insitu hybridization) is a fairly recent technology that allows the laboratory to determine if the correct number of certain chromosomes is present in the egg or embryo. Available technology allows us to test for up to 9 chromosomes via PGD. Currently, RGI offers testing for chromosomes 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, X and Y. These are chromosomes more commonly associated with miscarriage, failed implantation, or chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy. Fluorescent signals bind to these chromosomes, enabling the number of these chromosomes in the egg or embryo to be determined.
When do I get results?
Results are available at the time of embryo transfer. In cases where only the polar bodies are being studied, results are available for a day 3 transfer. However, the majority of cases involve testing both polar bodies and the embryo and results are available the morning of day 5. What is the accuracy of the testing? F.I.S.H. technology is widely available in modern medicine and has a published accuracy rate of 95%. The highest accuracy is obtained by testing both polar bodies and a single cell from the embryo (blastomere), as one would expect the majority of problems with the chromosomes studied to be determined through this sequential testing. Testing using only a cell from the embryo has a slightly lower rate of accuracy due to the possibility of mosaicism (more than one cell line) in the embryo. Embryo biopsy and chromosome testing via F.I.S.H. is therefore approximately 90% accurate by itself.
Does PGD replace prenatal testing?
No, PGD does not replace prenatal testing, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. PGD is a researchbased test allowing for a similar diagnosis to those available by prenatal testing. However, prenatal testing is still recommended, as this is currently the standardofcare. Our genetic counselors can discuss what prenatal testing options are available to you.
What is the cost?
The cost of the testing is dependent upon the number of chromosomes tested for. The cost is a flat fee, regardless of the number of eggs or embryos tested. Please contact one of our genetic counselors for updated pricing information. Another frequently asked question is Will my insurance cover the costs of PGD? Because PGD testing is performed on an investigational basis, most insurance carriers will not cover the cost of PGD. As insurance policies vary, it is always to your benefit to check with your insurance carrier. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance carrier regarding your coverage.
How do I get more information about PGD?
To receive additional information, please contact our office at (773) 472-4900. You can also send an email request to rgiworld@gmail.com.
How do I get started?
Please contact one of our genetic counselors for an initial consultation at (773) 472-4900. They will provide the necessary information to begin the process for your family.
What are the limitations of PGD?
As with prenatal testing, PGD is aimed at reducing your chances of having a child with genetic disease; however, it does not test for all birth defects. Every couple, regardless of their ethnic background and family history, has a 35% risk for birth defects, with each pregnancy.
Is there a waiting list?
No. As soon as our center receives the necessary information, we begin working on your case immediately.
EGG RECIPIENT FAQs
How do I select a donor?
When you become a qualified participant, you can access our online database and enter in your preferences for genetic, educational, and socialogical background. You can review as many candidates as you wish that meet your requirements. When you are ready to select a donor, you may choose three egg donors for us to contact.
How is the implantation carried out?
Donor eggs are implanted through an IVF procedure.
What happens to any eggs not used?
Any embryos not used can be cryopreserved for future use.
EGG DONOR FAQs
What is the typical compensation for an egg donor?
In a range from $5,000 to $6,500.
Are there additional protections for the donor?
Yes, we require that recipients purchase a special insurance policy for the donor that covers any complications. Complications are rare; the insurance is to provided to provide you with an extra measure of assurance.