Considering genetics testing? It is better to know about your genetic health
There are different types of genetics testing that allow patients at our Oklahoma fertility clinic to learn more about their genetic health or the health of their embryos. These genetic tests include preconception genetic testing and preimplantation genetic testing.
Patients often find that it’s better to know their results from these genetic tests, as it allows them to make more informed decisions on the path to parenthood. Our fertility specialists guide patients through each step of determining which genetic tests they might want to utilize.
Learn why specialists often recommend preconception genetic testing
Preconception genetic testing is a simple blood or saliva test that we recommend for all patients beginning fertility treatments at our Oklahoma fertility clinic. This test can determine if the patient or their partner is a carrier of any of the hundreds of genetic disorders that can be identified through genetic carrier screening. The results can help patients determine if they need to use preimplantation genetic testing, or an egg or sperm donor, to avoid passing an inherited genetic disorder to their future children.
When a patient or their partner is found to be a carrier of a genetic disorder, we connect them with a genetic counselor who helps them understand these results and how they might want to move forward. While it’s understandable that some feel nervous about completing this test, the knowledge it provides often results in relief and effective next steps on a patient’s fertility journey.
Discover why patients undergoing IVF often choose preimplantation genetics testing
When a patient elects to move forward with IVF, they can choose to have preimplantation genetic testing on their resulting embryos. The most common types of PGT are PGT-A, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, and PGT-M, preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects. Both types of genetics testing help our team choose the healthiest embryo for transfer.
PGT-A assesses chromosomal health. If a patient or their partner is not a carrier of known genetic disorders that could pose a threat to their future children, the doctor might recommend PGT-A. This test allows a specialist to analyze the chromosomal health of a patient’s embryos. If an embryo has too few or too many chromosomes, it could cause a variety of issues, such as pregnancy loss or Down syndrome.
PGT-M detects specific genetic disorders. If a patient, their partner or one of their children has a known genetic disorder, or if preconception genetic testing reveals that the patient or their partner is a carrier of certain genetic disorders, the doctor will likely suggest PGT-M. This evaluation of embryos involves the embryologist testing the patient’s embryos for the specific genetic disorder of concern.
Other types of genetics testing for embryos are also available for specific situations. The knowledgeable physicians at our Oklahoma fertility clinic help patients understand their options and choose the right test to optimize IVF success.
The genetics testing of embryos can be such a beneficial step for patients, as it helps ensure they transfer a healthy embryo that hopefully results in the birth of a baby.
Contact us for more information about why many patients choose preconception genetic testing.
