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Genetic Testing
Feb 3, 2009
Genetic Testing
All healthy humans are born with 46 chromosomes that are part of every cell in the body. Chromosomes are divided into 22 matching pairs and one pair of sex chromosomes. These cell structures each carry the genetic material, or DNA, that makes every individual unique. You receive genes from both of your biological parents; half from your mother and half from your father. The genes determine which features you inherit, such as hair and eye color, blood type, and other characteristics — like your father’s nose or your mother’s mouth.
You also inherit, via genes, the risk of developing certain diseases. Hemophilia and Tay-Sachs disease for example, are inherited diseases that can be passed on from parents to children. These diseases are due to defects in the chromosomes.
You may be aware of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), genetic tests that can be performed while you are pregnant and can determine the baby’s health and sex. If, however, you are having problems getting pregnant or have a history of miscarriages, there is a test you can take before you get pregnant to see if your infertility problems are due to a genetic defect. Genetic problems in the embryo or fetus are responsible for a high percentage of pregnancy losses before 12 weeks.
Karyotype Test
Usually done as a blood test, a karyotype looks at the structure, number, and arrangement of chromosomes found in a sample of cells. This test may also be called a chromosome analysis.
If you have had several miscarriages or if there is no sperm in your partner’s ejaculation, the two of you should both be tested. During the test, the cells are processed and photographed to determine if there are any missing or extra chromosomes or if there are any structural changes which could prevent you from getting pregnant or cause miscarriages.
You should be aware that this test can also determine if you have a defective chromosome that can lead to problems with a baby’s development or growth. Even if you and your partner are healthy, one of you might carry a gene that can increase your risk of having a baby with birth defects.
The results of genetic testing may be emotionally difficult to handle. For this reason, it is important to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of taking this type of test.
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i have done a due date calculator test and it tells me that i am starting my 4th week. i have taken a hpt and it was negative, is it too early to tell with an hpt?
i am a male and cant have a baby or produse a child. are there treatments for males
Hi - Thanks for your question. If you are having trouble conceiving, both you and your partner should have a fertility workup to determine the cause. The fertility doctor - also known as a reproductive endocrinologist - will examine the female and will also test the male partner's sperm. Male fertility issues may be referred to a urologist. Depending on the outcome of the testing, you may be given a treatment plan. The good news is that a lot of infertility is treatable. Good luck!
Do I have some test to do before consulting? I make living doing ironworks. Spending a lot of time near the fire and doing hard job. Can it cause some problems?
Hi!
My husbond and I visited a couple of infertility centers and did all the tests possible. The diagnosis of my husbond is Klinefelter's syndrome. All the doctors in our country said that it's impossible for my housbond to become a father, only if we take donor's sperm we will be able to become parents. So the question is, whether it is really true. Or maybe there is a possibility for my husbond to become a father.
thank you.
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