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genetic testing before conceiving

9/6/2010 1:54:30 PM

Cathburk

1 posts

genetic testing before conceiving

Hello

I am new to this discussion forom and I hope you can answer some questions for me. I am 41 and DHis 46. We have a DD who is nearly 5 and since she was born we have been trying. I am not going to go through everything but the bottom line is that M-- has suggested IVF. firsly DH said no but we had a really great discussion ans we are going to go through with it.

However DH was very honest and said that due to my age that the rish of Downs is high and that he could go through with it if all the tests were confirm. Bu t I wont go though with IVF and then to be asked to do the unmentionable. I know some will comeplain that he is being selfise but I feel he is being honest. I want to know if there is any genetic testing before conceiving done anywehre I know Irleand doesn't do it.

Hope you all understand where I am comeing from and thansk please be kind to us all.

Ca....

9/8/2010 10:45:24 PM

A&C

99 posts

Re: genetic testing before conceiving

Hi Cathburk

Hope you are keeping well. Sounds like you have been going through alot. This journey is very difficult as a Woman, Man and a Couple. I am not sure what genetic testing is done in any of the clinics. With the way the lack of legislation....

Maybe you should call the supportline. I found the emtional support at the meetings so helpful too. Was great to meet others who REALLY understood.

When it comes to testing you need to get information from the clinics. If you are not attending a clinic. I think GP would be best port of call.

Take care

Cats

10/2/2010 11:39:49 PM

Caitriona

93 posts

Re: genetic testing before conceiving

Hi,
I'm not certain about the testing issue but I think you'd have to go to another country for such testing. I am pretty sure it's not available in Ireland. I think you'd have to do testing on embryos, rather than pre-conception testing. PGD (pre implantation genetic diagnosis) is done in clinics in the UK and the US and presuambly in other countries too, but not in Ireland. From what I understand of the process, a cell is taken from a developing embryo at around day2 and the cell is screened for a range of genetic issues. If the test shows clear and the embryo has continued to develop, it is then available for transfer to the womb. There are also new techniques coming to the fore, such as PGS - Array CGH - see this link for more details. (This is the clinic I attend in Nottingham and they are the first clinic in the world to have had success with this technique)

http://www.carefertility.com/genetics-programme-sc2/

But perhaps this is not what you are interested in at all - as this all involves testing on an embryo, as opposed to testing on eggs prior to conception. I think this would be less definite than screening such as PGD or PGS as, while they might be able to say that your partner's sperm are fine (or, more awkwardly, your eggs), no-one can guarantee what genetic issues any potential embryos you might make together would have, if you know what I'm saying?

I hope you come to a decision that is a good one for your family - and I wish you luck with that.

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