Most often, a genetic test is a personal decision that you may take for unique reasons. However, sometimes your doctor may recommend the test, especially if you and your partner are at a higher risk of infecting your future babies with a transmissible gene that runs in your families. Your gene structure controls your body’s growth and regulations. While normal genes might work efficiently, abnormal genes may result in mutations which might lead to infections. Nonetheless, should you still go for genetic testing even when you are not at risk of a genetic disorder? At Winter Park genetic testing, fertility specialists can help you make an informed decision.
What are the reasons that might prompt you to go for genetic testing?
Your doctor will most likely suggest genetic testing when you or your partner (or both) have a genetic condition running in your family. The test will look at your genes, checking out for mutations. However, everyone has different reasons for contacting a healthcare provider for the test. For instance, you may test to screen your embryo or check your risk of passing a genetic disease down to your unborn baby.
However, your healthcare provider might therefore recommend genetic testing when:
- Your family has a history of a particular disease.
- You are at risk of passing the genetic condition to your offspring.
- You are pregnant and are worried about the possibility that your unborn child might be at risk of genetic disease mutation.
- You have symptoms of a particular infection that is likely to result from gene mutations.
- You are at risk of disease development or have a particular condition, and your doctor wants to determine the exact dosage that might be beneficial.
How does a genetic test work?
Most genetic diseases occur when you and your partner have imperfect copies of a specific gene and transfer it to your child. As a result, your child ends up having two copies of the gene. In an instance that only one of you has the faulty gene, your child might be a carrier. Therefore, to know if you (and your partner is necessary) are carriers of a bad gene, your doctor may take blood or saliva samples and send them to the lab for a thorough evaluation.
The tests your doctor may recommend will closely assess your DNA for specific genes associated with infections like:
- Blood infections like sickle cell anemia
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Fragile X syndrome
- Tay-Sachs disease
Advanced tests like the expanded genetic carrier screenings check out for flawed genes for several other rare genetic disorders with minimal treatment options. You can check out this article about the Fragile X clinical trial and see how this genetically identified disorder can be treated. However, your healthcare provider may not recommend the test if you might be worried about a specific condition, or the results might make you depressed, angry, or feel guilty.
Whether you are pregnant or hoping to get pregnant, genetic testing may give you a glimpse of your health and that of your baby. While some tests might check for possible medical conditions while your baby is still in the womb, other tests may check your unborn baby’s DNA for genetic ailments. Contact your doctor to know the perfect time to go for a genetic test.
