Changing Fertility Care in Nigeria with Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Introduction

Infertility remains a silent struggle for many Nigerian couples, but a new technology is offering hope: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). By screening embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer, PGT is reshaping how fertility care is delivered across the country.

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?

PGT is a laboratory procedure performed on embryos created through in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF). The process involves:

• Biopsy of a few cells from each embryo.
• DNA analysis to detect chromosomal disorders, single‑gene mutations, or structural rearrangements.
• Selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer.

This precise screening reduces the risk of miscarriage, improves implantation rates, and helps avoid the birth of children with serious genetic conditions.

Why PGT Matters for Nigeria

Several factors make PGT especially relevant in the Nigerian context:

High Prevalence of Genetic Disorders

Conditions such as sickle‑cell disease, thalassaemia and certain metabolic disorders are more common in Nigeria due to genetic drift and consanguineous marriages. PGT enables couples to identify carrier‑status embryos and prevent transmission.

Growing IVF Infrastructure

Over the past decade, IVF clinics have multiplied in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. These centres now have the technical capacity to incorporate PGT into their treatment cycles.

Cultural Sensitivity

Nigerian families often place great importance on lineage and the health of future generations. Offering a safe way to ensure a healthy child aligns with cultural values while respecting religious perspectives.

How PGT Works – Step by Step

1. Stimulation: The woman receives hormone injections to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries under mild sedation.
3. Fertilisation: Eggs are fertilised with the partner’s or donor’s sperm to create embryos.
4. Embryo Biopsy: On day 3 or day 5, a few cells are gently removed from each embryo.
5. Genetic Analysis: Laboratories use next‑generation sequencing (NGS) or array CGH to detect abnormalities.
6. Embryo Selection: Only genetically normal embryos are frozen or transferred.
7. Transfer & Pregnancy Test: One or two healthy embryos are placed in the uterus, and a pregnancy test follows two weeks later.

Benefits of PGT for Nigerian Couples

• Higher Success Rates: Studies show a 15‑20% increase in live‑birth rates when abnormal embryos are excluded.
• Reduced Emotional Toll: Fewer miscarriages mean less psychological stress and lower medical costs.
• Family Planning Confidence: Couples can confidently plan larger families knowing each child has a lower genetic risk.
• Cost‑Effectiveness Over Time: While PGT adds an upfront expense, it often saves money by avoiding repeated IVF cycles and long‑term treatment for genetic diseases.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Cost Barriers

PGT can add ₦500,000–₦1,000,000 to an IVF cycle. Solutions include:

• Negotiated package deals with clinics.
• Government or NGO subsidies for high‑risk families.
• Health‑insurance pilots that cover advanced reproductive technologies.

Limited Skilled Personnel

Training programmes for embryologists and genetic counsellors are expanding. Partnerships with overseas labs for remote analysis also bridge the gap.

Awareness Gaps

Many prospective parents are unaware of PGT. Community outreach, webinars, and collaborations with religious leaders help demystify the process.

Future Outlook: A New Era for Fertility Care

With ongoing research, PGT is evolving beyond chromosome screening to include polygenic risk scores for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Nigerian clinics that invest early in these technologies will position themselves as leaders in personalized reproductive medicine.

Conclusion

Preimplantation Genetic Testing is more than a laboratory test—it is a catalyst for changing fertility care in Nigeria. By improving success rates, reducing genetic disease burden, and aligning with cultural priorities, PGT offers couples a hopeful path toward healthy families.