Fertility Genetic Testing

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Fertility Genetic Testing

At Aspire Houston Fertility Institute, we provide various types of genetic testing, and we aim to help our patients understand the different tests that may be recommended for them.

Genetic Screening at Your First Visit

At Aspire HFI, we provide preconception screening for all patients who come in for a consultation, which is as simple as a blood draw and cheek swab.

Recessive diseases typically occur when both parents are carriers of a specific condition. If both partners are carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance that their child will inherit the disease. Carriers of these recessive diseases often do not display any symptoms and may not be aware that they're carriers unless they have had a child with the condition.

Because recessive diseases can be severe, it's standard practice for doctors to offer genetic screenings early in pregnancy. However, discovering that one is a carrier while already pregnant can be complicated. At Aspire HFI, we aim to empower our patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions before they become pregnant.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) 

One of the most common reasons for an unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle or miscarriage is genetically abnormal embryos. Historically, this was avoided by choosing only the most normal appearing embryos to transfer. However, fertility specialists have noticed that there is not a perfect relationship between how an embryo looks at the time of transfer and whether or not a child was born genetically normal at the time of delivery. Over the last 15 years, genetic technology has advanced leaps and bounds. Fertility specialists are now able to biopsy embryos and determine whether or not they carry the correct amount of chromosomes (DNA) before transferring the embryo back into the uterus. Although there are many names for this test, it is most commonly referred to as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy . Because PGT-A involves the direct testing of embryos, it can only be offered during an IVF cycle.

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M)

Occasionally, we meet patients who know they carry genetic diseases. Amongst the different types of genetic disease, some conditions are recessive, meaning carriers are healthy. These conditions include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. Other types of conditions are dominant, meaning it is more likely for patients to have multiple affected family members. These conditions include recurrent breast or ovarian cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations), colon cancer (Lynch syndrome), Huntington’s disease, and Marfan’s syndrome, among many others. Still, others may be the first in their family to develop a brand new genetic mutation.

Each patient’s risk for genetic disease depends on a variety of factors, including personal medical history, family history, and ethnic heritage. In order to help you make the right decisions, our doctors will talk to you about your risk for genetic disease and may recommend any number of specific tests.

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Learn More about Genetic Testing at Aspire HFI in Houston

If you have questions about preimplantation genetic testing, contact Aspire Houston Fertility Institute. Our team is ready to meet you right where you are in your fertility journey.

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