Alfred Rodriguez, M.D., Texas IVFBest Doctors in Collin County: Infertility 2011,2012View Directory Link
What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, and who should consider this testing?
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is a relatively new, state-of-the-art technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is typically recommended when one or both genetic parents have a known genetic abnormality. Testing is performed on the embryo to determine if it, too, carries a genetic abnormality.
What are the advantages of having pre-implantation genetic testing?
Because only unaffected embryos are transferred to the uterus for implantation, pre-implantation genetic testing is an alternative to post-conception diagnostics, which can lead to anxiety and difficult decisions when results are not favorable. PGD is the most advanced and trusted option available to avoid the high risk of having a child affected with a genetic disease prior to implantation.
What is microarray pre-implantation genetic testing?
We use the most technologically advanced method of pre-implantation genetic testing by CGH microarray. Microarray analysis allows for molecular karyotyping for all 23 pairs of chromosomes, and assessment for both aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes) and structural abnormalities (changes that alter the content of chromosomes). This minimizes the risk of passing known or suspected genetic disorders and helps identify healthy embryos, which improves the likelihood of a successful IVF outcome. Patients who may benefit from testing are those with a family history of genetic disorders, history of recurrent pregnancy loss, long-term unexplained infertility, multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, advanced maternal age, and severe male factor infertility.
“Patients who may benefit from testing are those with a family history of genetic disorders, history of recurrent pregnancy loss, long-term unexplained infertility, multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, advanced maternal age, and severe male factor infertility.”
What are some keys to success in treating infertility?
While infertility may seem overwhelming, in many cases, the cause can be easily explained. Finding a qualified doctor with current expertise and training who can diagnose your particular reason for infertility and then treat you as a couple is more difficult. We work very hard to help ease your tension about infertility. We pride ourselves on the outstanding interpersonal relationships that we cultivate with our patients--people just like you who need guidance and teamwork to achieve the goal of having a baby. We can treat the "whole couple" throughout the process by working closely with our laboratory for blood work and semen analysis, in conjunction with our outstanding nursing staff. Expediency is key to treating infertility, especially when the biological clock is not only ticking but racing out the door. The goal should be to help you conceive as quickly and as inexpensively as possible.
Dr. Dr. Alfred Rodriguez has built his reputation on care and concern for each patient's needs –from basic infertility services to state-of–the-art procedures with in-vitro fertilization. Dr. Rodriguez currently is the medical director of the Presbyterian Hospital of Plano ARTS Program where he has practiced since 1996. Prior to 1996, he was the founder and medical director at Southwest Fertility Center. He has practiced reproductive medicine in the Dallas area since 1980. As the medical director of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies department at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Dr. Rodriguez takes pride in offering you complete ART services at a fully accredited laboratory staffed with technicians specializing in the latest infertility techniques, including IVF, ICSI, and PGD (pre-implantation genetic diagnostics).
Dr. Rodriguez is board certified by the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and limits his practice to infertility and reproductive surgery. He is a member of American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, and the Society for Reproductive Surgeons. He is a native Texan and has lived in Dallas with his wife and two children for more than 25 years.
