When seeking care for fertility, you and your partner may be recommended to pursue genetic testing. Genetic testing can help you learn more about potential conditions you may pass on to your child or genetic causes of infertility.
Your fertility specialist at NewLIFE Fertility will help you learn more about the testing options that may be right for you and schedule them for one of our offices around Mobile, Alabama; Dothan, Alabama; Biloxi, Mississippi; Destin, Florida; Tallahassee, Florida; Panama City, Florida; and Pensacola, Florida.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing looks for changes in the proteins, genes, and chromosomes in your body or your fetus that indicate a potential genetic condition. You and your partner may need to provide blood, skin, and hair samples to conduct the genetic tests your fertility specialist recommends. Your fertility specialist will share the results of your genetic tests and work with you to determine the next steps in your parenthood journey.
Carrier Screening and PGT Testing
Both partners can undergo genetic carrier screenings to determine if your future child may be at risk for developing a genetic condition or if a parent is a carrier of a condition that may not affect you but could be passed to your child, such as:
- Huntington’s disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Down syndrome
Your fertility specialist can advise you and your partner moving forward if you happen to be a carrier for a genetic condition.
PGT Testing
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is available for your embryos to help determine which one has the best chance of success once implanted. Your fertility specialist will help you determine if a PGT is necessary.
Preimplantation genetic testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) examines the chromosomes of an embryo to check for abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities can affect the embryo’s ability to implant properly. Chromosomal abnormalities in an embryo are a leading cause of failed implantation and miscarriages.
Preimplantation Genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) is used to detect if an embryo has an increased risk for genetic conditions controlled by single genes, also called single-gene disorders. If it is determined during genetic carrier screening that one or both parents are carriers of a single-gene disorder, PGT-M on your embryos may be recommended. These conditions include sickle cell disease and Huntington’s disease.
Genetic Tests for Male Infertility
Some men’s infertility may have a genetic component. Undergoing genetic tests can help pinpoint the cause of male infertility and help your fertility specialist create a personalized treatment. The tests may include a chromosome analysis and an evaluation of the Y chromosome to detect if genetic information may be alerted or missing.
Your fertility specialist may recommend genetic testing for male infertility if you’ve provided a sperm sample and the sperm concentration in the sample was low. This can point to a sign that you may have a genetic condition that reduces sperm production.
Discuss Genetic Testing with Your Fertility Specialist
Genetic testing can be an important part of the fertility assessment and treatment process for both partners. You can discuss genetic testing with fertility specialists at our offices across Mobile, AL; Dothan, AL; Biloxi, MS; Destin, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Panama City, FL; and Pensacola, FL.
Your fertility specialist at NewLIFE Fertility will walk you through the genetic tests you may need and craft a plan for what comes next. Schedule an appointment today.
