THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF GENETIC TESTING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

22 May 20242′ read

Genetic screening covers many different types of tests that can be carried out to monitor for possible problems throughout pregnancy. It can be done by ultrasound or by simple blood tests that assess DNA. Through it, many answers can be obtained that help inform both the doctor and the mother about any concerns.

What should I ask my doctor?

There are various questions women may want to ask their doctor about genetic testing. These may include:

Why should I have genetic testing?
Which genetic screening tests and diagnostic tests should I have?
When should I have genetic testing?
What are the tests looking for?
What happens if I get a positive test result?
Can there be a false positive or false negative result?
What are the risks of having these genetic tests?
What are the risks of NOT having these genetic tests?
What else should I consider besides traditional genetic testing?

The questions above are extremely important and can help mothers-to-be gain a clear and complete picture of their baby's health. Your doctor will be able to explain the various options and help you make the best decisions for you and your baby. It is also worth knowing that genetic tests are not compulsory, and every woman can decide whether or not she wants to have them.

Some women may feel anxious or under pressure to have these tests, so it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor. In conclusion, genetic monitoring during pregnancy is a valuable tool that can provide important information about your baby's health and development. Knowledge is power, and through genetic monitoring, mothers-to-be can obtain the information they need to face any challenges of pregnancy with confidence and reassurance. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or a Reproductive Medicine Specialist.

TAGSreproductive medicine centreReproductive Medicine SpecialistIVF centers in Thessaloniki

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?