Overview
Reproductive genetics is a field of study that focuses on the genetic aspects of human reproduction. It involves the application of genetic testing and technologies to help couples struggling with infertility, genetic disorders, or other reproductive issues have healthy offspring.
Reproductive genetics encompasses a wide range of techniques and procedures that are used to diagnose and treat these conditions. These Include:
Preconception Genetic Counselling: Reproductive genetics also involves genetic counselling, which helps couples understand the risks and benefits of different reproductive options and make informed decisions about their fertility treatment and family planning.
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): is used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy.
Genetic screening During IVF
There are two types of genetic screenings that are done in conjunction with IVF.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): can be used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic mutations before they are implanted in the uterus. This can help increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of genetic disorders in the child.
Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA): is a genetic test that can be used to assess when the lining of the womb is most receptive to the embryo. The test analyzes the expression levels of a set of genes in the endometrial lining to determine the optimal timing for embryo transfer during an IVF cycle.
Overall, reproductive genetics plays an important role in helping couples achieve their dream of starting a family and preventing the transmission of genetic disorders.
Recent Developments
Recent advancements in reproductive genetics include:
- The use of mitochondrial replacement therapy to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases.
- There have been advances in gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, which could potentially be used to correct genetic mutations in embryos before implantation.
These advancements have the potential to revolutionize the field of assisted reproduction and improve outcomes for couples struggling with infertility or genetic disorders.
Why recommended
Reproductive genetic testing enables people to make informed choices about getting pregnant at any stage:
- Before conception
- Throughout In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures
- While a pregnancy is already underway, or
- When a couple wants to understand pregnancy losses or repeated miscarriages
This can select the one embryo that is most likely to result in a viable pregnancy and reveal genetic disorders that could affect the subsequent generation.
