Reproductive health
How are embryos selected during IVF cycles?
In order to be able to ‘select’ an embryo – we need to first understand IVF, as this is the process that gives rise to embryos in a laboratory setting. What is IVF? The process of IVF involves using hormones to stimulate a woman’s ovaries to produce a number of eggs in one menstrual cycle. While a natural cycle would only typically produce one mature egg (that is able to be fertilised by sperm), IVF aims to increase this number. The number of eggs collected from an IVF cycle varies from 1-20ish. There are a number of variables that influence this number including the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, response to treatment and luck (even though this is not officially science!) It is important to know that the number of eggs doesn’t always equate the the same number of embryos. I like to think of IVF like a hurdles race – the stumbling block being that once you miss a hurdle you are out of the race. Turning embryos into eggs Eggs are collected from a woman ovaries by a specialist IVF doctor. These eggs are then ‘introduced’ to a sperm sample from the proposed father or donor. There are 2 Fertilisation techniques. A technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) involves injecting a single viable sperm into each mature egg. Or by exposing the eggs to a large sperm sample (from the proposed father or donor), in crude terms letting the strongest sperm fertilise the egg. A large majority of IVF, and all PGD is done using ICSI and in general, fertilisation rates are higher using this technique. However, with all invasive techniques come minor increases in risk of adverse outcome. So doctors are always weighing up the risks with the benefits. How embryos are selected? In the case of embryo selection there are 2 main ways an embryologist (this is a scientist that is specialised in creating and supporting the growth of embryos) can ‘select’ an embryo. Visual assessment Visually – new technologies called an Embryoscope gives real-time visualisation and tracking of an embryos growth in the laboratory. Embryos are usually grown 5 days until they contain more than 100 cells – this growth stage is called blastocyst – embryos are graded and sorted for potential transfer back to a woman uterus. Typically only 1 embryo will be put back at a time to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. Any additional are frozen using technique called vitrification. Embryos are stable in this state and a generally stored for future us by the couple. Genetic analysis Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is used to assess the chromosome make-up of the embryo. We know that most early miscarriages are due to chromosome errors. An example of this is down syndrome – where an embryo inherits 3 copies of chromosome 21, instead of the regular 2 copies. Any chromosome imbalances in an embryo increase the risk of miscarriage and will lead to pregnancy complications and abnormal birth outcomes. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is used to screen embryos for specific single gene faults that are known to be carried by the parent or parents having IVF treatment. Scientists create a unique DNA fingerprint of the specific faulty gene in the family. By comparing the DNA fingerprint of the biopsied embryos to the DNA fingerprint of the family members it is possible to determine which embryos have inherited the disease and which are free of the disorder. Unaffected embryos will then be available for IVF treatment in future cycles with a chance that it will produce a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Where to get genetic testing before pregnancy: Making Informed Choices for Your Family's Future
Genetic testing before pregnancy can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health and potential risks for genetic conditions. At Eugene, we understand the importance of planning for a future family and offer reliable and comprehensive carrier testing options. Our tests assess carrier status and genetic health, empowering you to make informed decisions about family planning and take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of your future children. Explore our carrier testing options and discover how we can help you make informed choices for your family's future with confidence and peace of mind. Why Consider Genetic Testing Before Pregnancy? Knowledge is Power: At Eugene, we believe that knowledge is power. Genetic testing provides you with essential information about your carrier status and potential genetic risks, empowering you to make informed choices regarding reproductive options, such as assisted reproductive technologies, prenatal testing, or adoption. Personalised Family Planning: We understand that every family is unique. By understanding your genetic profile through our comprehensive testing options, you can work closely with our dedicated team of healthcare professionals and genetic counsellors to tailor your family planning journey. Together, we can minimise the risk of passing on genetic conditions and explore alternative options, such as preimplantation genetic testing or selecting donor gametes. Peace of Mind: At Eugene, we believe that peace of mind is invaluable. Our genetic testing offers reassurance by assessing the likelihood of passing on specific genetic conditions. This knowledge allows you to prepare emotionally and physically for any potential challenges that may arise during pregnancy or after the birth of your child. Where to Get Genetic Testing: Eugene's Carrier Testing When it comes to reliable and comprehensive genetic testing before pregnancy, Eugene is the trusted provider you can turn to. Our commitment to accuracy, privacy, and personalised care sets us apart. With Eugene's carrier testing options, you can gain crucial insights into your genetic health and potential risks. Core Carrier Screening: Our Core Carrier Screening examines a total of 3 genes, screening for 2 recessive conditions and 1 X-linked condition. It provides valuable insights into your carrier status and is suitable for individuals. Couples Carrier Screening: For a more comprehensive assessment, our Couples Carrier Screening covers a total of 620+ genes. This option is suitable for couples. Comprehensive Carrier Screening: Our Comprehensive Carrier Screening offers the most extensive coverage, testing for a total of 787 genes, including 717 recessive conditions and 73 X-linked conditions. It is also suitable for individuals or couples. At Eugene, we are committed to providing not just accurate and reliable testing, but also the support and guidance you need throughout the process. Our tests are accompanied by free genetic counselling, ensuring that you have the resources to make informed decisions and understand the implications of your results. Make Informed Family Planning Choices with Eugene's Comprehensive Carrier Testing Options Prenatal genetic testing is a crucial step in planning your family's future. Eugene provides comprehensive and reliable testing options that enable you to make well-informed decisions. We are committed to accuracy, privacy, and personalised care, ensuring that you can confidently understand your options on your journey to parenthood. Take the proactive step of getting genetic testing before pregnancy and choose Eugene as your partner. Visit our website today to explore our carrier testing options and discover how we can help you make informed choices for your family's future. Your family's well-being and future are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Preconception Checklist: How to Prepare for a Baby
When it comes to planning a pregnancy and raising kids, it's a big investment in terms of love, hope, time, and effort. There are a lot of things to consider, like emotional and practical factors, as well as personal health history and lifestyle choices. Just searching for "pregnancy" on Google can lead to an overwhelming 126 million results. That's why we wanted to help you sift through the noise and give you some valuable, accurate, and actionable information. First, let's talk about the emotional side of things. Being open and honest with yourself and your partner can help prepare you emotionally and practically when planning a pregnancy. There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to why you want to start a family, but you may want to explore some questions like: Why do I want to have a baby? How will a baby affect my relationship with my partner? How will a baby impact my lifestyle and freedom? How might my values, attitudes, and experiences influence my parenting? What would I do and how would I cope if it's difficult to conceive? Practical stuff to consider While the romancing of the idea of having a baby and marketing and social media have you dreaming of rosy cheeks and giggles, the reality of having children also includes sleepless nights and making sacrifices personally, professionally and socially. How will a baby impact me financially? How will a baby affect my job or career? A clear understanding of your responsibilities to your employer (if applicable) and your rights as an employee are essential to balancing your finances when planning a pregnancy. Consider health insurance cover - Private Health Insurers typically have a 12-month waiting period where you can't claim any pregnancy-related expenses. All Australian residents are eligible for Medicare, and so are specific categories of visitors to Australia. - You can check your eligibility for Medicare at the Department of Human Services. What options might I consider if something goes wrong during pregnancy? Miscarriage is, unfortunately, an all too common part of trying to have a baby. 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage before 20 weeks. Having a doctor, friends or family members who can help support you and your partner during this difficult time is essential. As Obstetric management and technologies improve, access to prenatal testing and the amount of information we can get about our pregnancies means that we are often left with difficult decisions. Understanding testing options and potential results can help you decide if and when needed. Health stuff to consider Just like most other major decisions in life, pregnancy is something that benefits from careful planning. To provide the best care for yourself and your baby, being well-informed and prepared can empower you to make decisions that feel right for you. Explore your personal and family health history Your family health history can help you identify whether you are more likely to develop a genetic condition. It will include any information you can gather about illnesses and diseases in your family. For instance – if your grandmother had breast cancer or your father's sister had heart disease. Your ethnic background also influences what type of genetic traits you may carry. Genetic carrier screening for both you and your pregnancy partner. Eugene offers fully supported access to pre-pregnancy genetic carrier screening. This at-home genetic test checks to see if you or your partner carry a rare gene variant that could cause a serious and life-threatening genetic condition in your child. Some ethnicities are more likely to carry specific gene variants. 1 out of 40 couples finds out they are carriers of the same condition. There's a 25% (1 in 4) chance that these couples could have a child affected by the condition. This can be overwhelming, but honestly, it's vital to know. Knowing your risk can help you make empowered choices about how you plan your pregnancy or even significantly reduce the risk of having a child affected by the condition. Eugene's experienced genetic counsellors are here to provide the support you need to understand your results and explore the potential next steps, which may include preparing for the birth of a child at increased risk, prenatal diagnosis, IVF with preimplantation genetic testing, or other equally important options. Prenatal's and relevant health checks Speak to your GP or obstetrician about the possible risks of any medications you take. There may be possible adverse side effects for you and the baby - before, during or after pregnancy. Have a breast check and pap smear. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Pregnant women are more susceptible to infection and illness. German Measles, Chicken Pox, The Flu vaccination and Whooping cough are all recommended for pregnant women and close family members. Check with your GP if you have any outstanding vaccinations. Visit the dentist. Routine dental treatment is safe during pregnancy, although some procedures or medication should be avoided in the first three months, so be sure to tell your dentist you are pregnant. Take Folic Acid supplments. Start taking 0.5mg folic acid when you start trying to conceive. Folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects in babies. Diet and Lifestyle The health of both women and men is important to consider when planning a pregnancy. To maximise your chance of conceiving and support the baby's growth - it's essential to have both mum and dad fit and healthy: Stop smoking. Terrible for your health and can lead to growth problems for your baby during pregnancy. Smoking also affects male fertility. Stop alcohol and other social drugs. There is no proven 'safe' level of alcohol consumption. Drug interactions are unpredictable and dangerous for the growing baby. Reduce or stop caffeine intake. Limiting caffeine intake to 1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of tea should keep you in the safe zone. Follow a healthy diet. Sticking to freshly cooked and prepared foods. Establish a good exercise routine. The woman's body stretches and grows in ways you'd never imagine to support a growing baby. Understanding how to support this growth safely is essential for mum and baby.
What can I do with my reproductive carrier results?
Carrier screening is a way to understand if there's a higher chance of having a child impacted by a genetic condition, so you can make informed and empowered reproductive choices. The test results may indicate that you are a healthy carrier of a genetic condition, which is actually pretty common. But if couples are carriers of the same genetic condition, or if a female is a carrier of an X-linked condition, then it's important to know that there's a 25% or greater chance of having a child together impacted by the condition. But with knowledge comes options! Our experienced genetic counsellors at Eugene are here to provide you with the support you need to understand your results and explore the potential next steps, which may include preparing for the birth of a child at increased risk, prenatal diagnosis, IVF with preimplantation genetic testing, or other equally important options. It's important to have all the information to make the best decisions for yourself and your future family, carrier screening is a great way to understand your reproductive options. If you would love to learn more about your personal journey and we can look into it together and explore the process, book your free chat with a genetic counsellor.
