PGT-M for diagnosed genetic diseases in Dubai

Who it is for

PGT-M is for couples who are not asking whether a genetic condition exists. They already know it does, and they want to know what can be done about it before the next pregnancy.

• Both partners carry the same recessive condition, so each pregnancy has a one-in-four chance of being affected
• One partner has a dominant condition, such as a familial cancer syndrome, that can be passed to half of their children
• The wife carries an X-linked condition such as haemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• A previous child is affected, or a pregnancy was ended after a prenatal diagnosis
• A carrier screen, a karyotype or exome sequencing has already named the gene; see genetic history and testing

Couples who are related by blood are screened first. Carrying the same condition is common in that situation, and PGT-M only becomes relevant once a specific gene has been identified.

How a PGT-M cycle runs

Counselling and the family workup come first. Dr. Shami and the genetic counsellor confirm the diagnosis, draw the family tree and decide exactly which change in which gene is being looked for. This is the step that decides whether PGT-M is possible at all.

A test is built for your family. The laboratory designs a test specific to your variant, usually using DNA from both partners and from an affected or carrier relative. It takes weeks to prepare, and it is prepared before stimulation starts, not during the cycle.

Then it is an IVF cycle. Stimulation, egg collection and ICSI, embryos grown to day five, and a few cells taken from the outer layer of each blastocyst by an embryologist. The embryos are frozen while the laboratory reports, and an unaffected embryo is transferred later; see IVF and ICSI. Chromosome screening can be run on the same biopsy where it is useful.

Questions patients ask

Do we need IVF if we have no fertility problem?

Yes. Embryos can only be tested if they are created in the laboratory, so a full cycle with stimulation, egg collection and ICSI is needed even when conceiving naturally is easy for you.

What is the difference between PGT-M and PGT-A?

PGT-M looks for one specific inherited condition that your family is known to carry. PGT-A counts chromosomes and is about the general chance of an embryo developing. They can be done on the same biopsy, and Dr. Shami will tell you whether adding PGT-A is likely to help in your case.

What if no unaffected embryo is found?

It happens, and it is discussed before you start. Depending on the condition and how many eggs were collected, the options may be another cycle, donor gametes, prenatal diagnosis in a natural pregnancy, or stopping. Dr. Shami goes through them with you before anything is decided.

Is PGT-M permitted in the UAE?

Medically assisted reproduction is regulated by federal law, and testing embryos for a serious inherited disease is part of normal practice under it. Eligibility and documentation in your particular case are confirmed at the first consultation.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ghina Shami, Consultant Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility · September 2026