5 Reasons Universal Genetic Testing is Highly Recommended

Some people might choose to get genetic testing if they know that certain diseases run in their family. But there are plenty of reasons that you should consider getting genetic testing, even if you don’t know of any worrisome family history.

Universal genetic testing is always a good idea to help you know what types of health issues might affect your child in the future. It’s painless and not invasive. Dr. Edward J. Ramirez at The Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF explains more about the benefits of universal genetic testing.

The purpose of genetic testing

Genetic testing can reveal whether you or your partner are carriers for unknown diseases. Many of these diseases can present a lot of problems for your child. Even if you don’t know of any family history, you could still have an affected child. Some of the diseases we can detect with genetic testing include:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Sickle cell anemia
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Fragile X 
• Tay-Sachs syndrome
• Down syndrome

These are only some of the problems that can be detected by genetic testing. If you’re using donor sperm or eggs, it can be an especially good idea to seek genetic testing.

Types of genetic testing

You have two options for genetic testing: pre-implantation diagnosis of an embryo or pre-implantation screening.

If you’re doing fertility treatments such as IVF, you can choose to do genetic testing before we implant the embryo. With this option, you will usually have multiple embryos harvested. You can choose either pre-implantation diagnosis or pre-implantation screening.

Pre-implantation diagnosis confirms whether a disease is present in the embryo. It looks for the likelihood that the disease could develop. 

Pre-implantation screening detects whether you or your partner are carriers for a disease but doesn’t confirm the diagnosis of one.

Particularly if you’ve experienced previous miscarriages or IVF cycles that failed to work, choosing pre-implantation embryo selection based on genetic diagnosis can allow us to select out certain chromosome abnormalities that may lead to a loss.

Reasons to choose universal genetic testing

It may seem like pregnancy is already complicated enough. But here are 5 reasons why you should consider universal genetic testing.

1. If you have a family history of any genetic conditions (no matter how far back in your family lineage)
2. If you don’t have any family history of genetic conditions; 80% of babies born with genetic conditions do not have any family history of the disorder
3. Genetic diagnosis before implanting an embryo can prevent developing certain conditions that could lead to a miscarriage
4. To screen for possible conditions for which you or your partner may unknowingly be a carrier 
5. To be prepared if you have a child with a chromosomal disorder

Making the decision to seek interventional help in conceiving your child means that you have access to additional resources to ensure that you have a healthy baby. Genetic testing is just one of those extra resources that may provide help.

If you would like to talk about universal genetic testing and decide when and if it’s right for you, call our Monterey, California, office, or request an appointment online.