Did you know a significant number of individuals struggle to have children? Infertility problems result from various factors, including health conditions, issues with the reproductive system, unhealthy weight, among other factors. Besides, age is crucial in determining fertility; usually, women are less fertile from age 35 and above while men become less fertile from age 40. Luckily, with advances in technology, various available techniques to improve fertility, including genetic testing in Winter Park.
In this article, let’s find out more about genetic testing.
What is genetic testing?
It is a medical test to check for changes in a human’s DNA. It usually identifies any inherited genes for different health conditions in the family.
Why do you need genetic testing?
You may have genetic testing for various reasons, including
- To diagnose a genetic condition, if there are symptoms
- To identify whether you have a genetic condition before its symptoms develop
- To determine whether your pregnancy has a risk of having a genetic condition
- To enhance a cancer treatment plan and prevention
Typically, genetic testing helps identify potential genetic factors that may affect your health or pregnancy or put your child’s health at risk.
At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, they offer different types of genetic testing to check for various inherited genetic disorders, such as;
- Cystic fibrosis
This inherited condition affects the mucus glands. It may cause serious digestive issues and harm the respiratory system.
- Sickle cell anemia
It involves a group of genetic conditions that interferes with hemoglobin, a red blood cells molecule responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. The condition deforms the red blood cells’ shape into a crescent, leading to recurrent infections and pain.
- Tay-Sachs disease
Though unusual, this genetic condition causes gradual damage to the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When it occurs in infants, it causes the loss of motor skills such as sitting and crawling, leading to premature death in young children.
- Fragile X syndrome
It can lead to developmental problems such as behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and mental retardation.
When would you require genetic testing?
Genetic testing may be appropriate when you show symptoms thought to be of an underlying genetic condition. It is also essential to worry about passing particular genetic disorders to your child.
During an infertility treatment such as IVF, you may have genetic testing to identify any genetic changes before embryo implantation.
What to expect during genetic testing?
Your provider determines the type of genetic testing ideal for you, depending on your medical history and the reason for testing.
Depending on genetic testing, you might require a blood sample for testing or a cheek swab. Your provider takes a sample of amniotic fluid for pregnant women for testing.
Your provider sends the samples to a lab for assessment. After the results are ready, he discusses the results with you and advises on what to do next.
Genetic testing is essential to prevent and lower the risk of a genetic condition. When done during pregnancy, it prevents genetic changes from mother to child. The Center for Reproductive Medicine team is here to improve your health and that of your family through comprehensive genetic tests. Call the practice today to learn more about genetic testing.
