Known Genetic Diseases
What to Do When Facing Fertility Challenges
One in six couples will experience a genetic disease or defect that could be passed onto an unborn child. This unique circumstance requires the guidance and support of an experienced fertility doctor in Raleigh. Diagnostic testing and treatments for a couple facing the challenge of known genetic diseases require a highly personal and individualized approach.
To effectively navigate the process and face your fertility challenges, we help you understand your genetic disease and fertility options. By understanding your unique fertility circumstances, you can actively participate in planning your path to conception with confidence.
Our fertility team has more than 30 years of experience navigating known genetic diseases. They are specifically trained and prepared to meet you wherever you are on your path to conception.
How Our Lab Screens for Genetic Defects in Embryos
Genetic screening involves many moving parts and processes. Embryo screening and preimplantation genetics refer to genetic tests that allow the identification of possible congenital disabilities in embryos. Once an embryo has progressed to a blastocyst, a small number of cells can be safely removed from the trophectoderm (the part of the embryo that is the precursor to the placenta). These cells are sent to our affiliated genetic testing laboratories for analysis while the embryos continue to be cared for here in our laboratory.
The cells from the embryo biopsy are then tested to identify if the embryo is euploid (average number of chromosomes of 46 with 23 obtained from each parent) or aneuploid (abnormal number of chromosomes). Suppose other heritable conditions are suspected (such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease) in cases where both parents are carriers of these diseases. In that case, additional testing can be planned to identify the embryos free from these tested conditions.
Atlantic Reproductive exclusively uses the following labs for genetic testing:
Reproductive Genetic Innovations (RGI)
Facing Known Genetic Diseases With Courage
Understanding your fertility options when facing a known genetic disease starts with a preconception counseling session with an experienced fertility doctor in Raleigh. You’ll learn more about your fertility health and options during your session. We’ll also work with you to create your most optimal fertility treatment path to the conception that respects your values and lifestyles.
Atlantic Reproductive provides fertility treatment, testing, and more to patients in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Fayetteville, Chapel Hill, and beyond from our office in Brier Creek. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Helping You Conceive
Heterosexual Couples
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months and have not achieved a viable pregnancy, you’ve naturally begun to wonder about infertility. We are here to help.
Same-Sex Couples
Through long-established fertility treatments, there are many pathways to building a family as a same-sex couple. Our experienced fertility doctors are here to help you chart your course.
Single Women
Deciding to have a baby as a single woman is a life-changing decision. We understand your decision to have a child and will partner with you to determine the fertility path that meets your family goals and honors your values.
Single Men
Just like women, men experience feelings of their “biological clock ticking.” Many single men feel the urge to start families and turn to fertility treatments to make it happen. Let’s chart your course together.
Transgender Couples
As you consider transition, it is important to plan ahead if you’d like to have biological children. If having children before beginning your transition is not possible, you have options that can preserve your fertility. Let’s chart your course together.
Known Genetic Diseases
One in six couples will experience a genetic disease or defect that could be passed onto an unborn child. This unique circumstance requires guidance and support. Don’t chart your course alone; we are here to help.
Advanced Maternal Age
Are you 35 years old or older and ready to start your family or wish to extend your family? While being 35 years of age or older is considered an advanced maternal age, many other factors can influence your fertility health.