Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

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Genetic testing

Nedico
Nedico
Does anyone have a family genetic disease that is highly inheritable and undergoing IVF
My father has a rare genetic disorder which is 50/50 whether I have it or not. I havnt been tested yet although I am monitored for symptoms. I wondered whether or not I should look into having any embryo's from IVF checked for this gene or not???
tinyblessings
tinyblessings
So many decisions to make! I don't have a family genetic disease that is highly inheritable, but I have recently done IVF with genetic testing (CCS - comprehensive chromosome screening). I would recommend talking with the geneticist at your clinic so that you can get more information about your specific situation. It took a few weeks to get the results back for the CCS on our embryos, but our geneticist said that if we did deeper testing (getting down to the gene level like you'd need to), it would take several months. We didn't end up having to go to that level, but I was really torn. I just didn't know if I could tack on a few extra months to this process, but at the same time, I felt like I was doing this testing part way, should I do it all the way if I need to? I am very happy that we did the CCS because I know that at least the embryos we are working with are chromosomally normal. I have a history of miscarriage, so this puts my mind at ease a bit more.

Can they check you for this gene? If you are negative, then would you know you can't pass it on? If you are positive, would they be able to give you statistics specific to you and your embryos? Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Good luck!!
bc0rny
bc0rny
I don't have genetic issues in my family, but I did do IVF with PGS(pre genetic screening) of my embryos because of my DH sperm quality. I'm not sure which genetic problems they can test for at that point. I think there is still things that they can't find. I would check with your RE and talk to the genetic screening company about what they test for. I had success with my IVF and I only had 1 healthy embryo out of the 4 they test.

Good luck!!
gcinOhio
gcinOhio
My Dh is a carrier for Cystic Fibrosis so we had to do extensive testing before moving forward with IVF. Usually they want you to do it before. It takes 8 weeks sometimes to get the tests back.
endowife
endowife
I did get genetic testing. They first test one person, and if one (like me) had something, they would then test the other person for the same genetic issue.

I didn't have any genetic issues so DH didn't get tested. But it's worth exploring if it's a question...
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would say that it wouldn't hurt to do the testing. I don't have anything that I am aware of that runs in the family, but I will more than likely do the testing when/if we get to the IVF process. For us it is coming up quickly so I am sure I will have to make that decision soon!!
Kelly0713
Kelly0713
I actually just had genetic testing to see if I have a heritable propensity for cancer, since everyone in my family gets it. Since we are going through SO much artificial assistance to get a baby - I figure its worth knowing... After all this if our baby had childhood cancer like me... I think my husband would divorce me. That said I also don't want to wait and I am not sure I have enough eggs to do pgd so I am really counting on it being negative! It came up that I should get tested for brca too but I don't think I would do pgd for that since its more manageable... But it's all relative!