Tips for Discussing Reproductive Carrier Screening with Your Partner
What an exciting time it is to be planning for a pregnancy! Here's essential information to help navigate the conversation with your partner about this crucial aspect of family planning. Genetic Carrier Screening isn't just a test; it's a crucial tool for individuals and couples contemplating starting a family. The at-home reproductive genetic test checks to see if you have a higher chance of having a baby with a serious genetic disease. Our tests can screen for up to 780+ genetic diseases that could affect future children, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Tay-Sachs Disease & fragile X syndrome. Why Choose Genetic Carrier Screening The test provides a comprehensive understanding of combined genetic information, offering detailed insights crucial for making informed decisions about family planning. Eugene's carrier test options offer the simplicity of a saliva-based test, eliminating the need for needles or hospital visits. It's a hassle-free test performed in the comfort of your home. Eugene's genetic counselling team offers personalised guidance tailored to individual situations. Their expertise navigates the complexities of genetic information, aiding family planning decisions. The Importance of Genetic Carrier Screening Approximately 1 in 30 reproductive couples discover are at increased likelihood of having a child with a genetic condition. Knowing if your at risk can influence how you plan a pregnancy. Knowing this in advance helps you make proactive and informed pregnancy choices to help improve the health outcomes for your children. Medicare Rebates for Genetic Carrier Testing Medicare rebates are now available for eligible couples and individuals planning for a future child. This initiative ensures accessible screening for all families planning pregnancy, easing financial concerns and encouraging informed family planning. Navigating the Conversation. (Good to know) Genetic Variants: We all carry genetic variants influencing our body's growth and function. These variants, common yet often unnoticed, can have implications. Normalising Carrying Variants: Emphasise that carrying genetic variants is normal. However, shared variants between partners can lead to serious genetic conditions in children, underscoring the importance of carrier testing. Carrier Testing: Essential for anyone considering starting a family, regardless of family history, as it doesn't always indicate genetic conditions. Inclusivity of Genetic Conditions: Some serious conditions prevalent in specific ethnic communities are included in comprehensive screenings like Eugene's but are often excluded in standard tests. There may be a family history of a genetic condition in your or your partner's family, which is important to know when choosing the test right for you. Here is a list of all the conditions tested for. Timing: Consider carrier testing before or early in pregnancy. Some couples plan for carrier status before attempting pregnancy or marriage for informed planning. Most tests take about 4 weeks to complete - so don't delay ordering your test! Approaching the Conversation: Initiate discussions in a relaxed setting, emphasising empathy and mutual support regardless of test results. End-to-end support: Highlight the availability of genetic counselling services, offering support in decision-making, results education and reproductive planning. To help navigate the conversation, our genetic counsellors are available for a free consultation with you and/or your partner. They're equipped to understand your family history and values and assist you in understanding the option best for you. Book a time to speak to a Counsellor.
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.
