Genetics and IVF

[Anonymous]

So maybe I should post in health section but my husband has a genetic immunodeficiency that seems to have been passed down a few generations. How can I stop this? We want to have a baby but there is a strong one of our children can end up with it. How can we stop this from happening? Is there a way to go the IVF route and pull out the gene? Sorry I know nothing about this

[Anonymous]

That depends if his immunodeficiency has just 1 identified gene as opposed to has no known genetic cause or multiple genes. If it's recessive and you don't have it there wouldn't be a point to doing IVF because all your kids will be carriers no matter what.

[Anonymous]

We used genetic testing for a dominant gene condition. Spontaneous mutation, so only testing embryos (not separate eggs and sperm). Any clinic can walk you through. I believe the technology is fast moving and you may be surprised what capabilities. I noticed a difference between my two kids that are just three years apart.

[Anonymous]

Is it single gene? Autosomal Recessive, or dominant (or x-linked)?

If recessive, easy enough to test you. May be a zero chance of passing it on.

If dominant, there’s 50:50 kid would get it, and IVF can do preimplantation genetic diagnosis for most single-gene diseases.

[Anonymous]

Do you need to go to genetic counselor to get tested?

[Anonymous]

Have him get a full genetic profile to see if they can identify the gene mutation causing the problem. If they can, you can have a probe built that will test IVF embryos for that mutation. Your first stop is a geneticist.

I would join an IVF with PGS/PGD support group on Facebook to learn more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it single gene? Autosomal Recessive, or dominant (or x-linked)?

If recessive, easy enough to test you. May be a zero chance of passing it on.

If dominant, there’s 50:50 kid would get it, and IVF can do preimplantation genetic diagnosis for most single-gene diseases.

+1 depends on the genetic basis of the disorder. There a bunch they an test for but not everything.

[Anonymous]

If your husband’s autoimmune disease has a genetic cause that can be tested, then you can screen your embryos for that specific genetic disease.

Many diseases, however, do not have a genetic test.

Depending on the severity of the disease and your level of concern, donor sperm can be used if preimplantation genetic testing isn’t available.

[Anonymous]

We did IVF and tested for everything which had a test. Not every genetic condition has a test right now. He should talk with an MD, maybe an immunologist or DW to her OBGYN

[Anonymous]

The first step is to meet with a genetic counselor and order genetic testing. I used and online genetic counselor and it was fairly convenient.https://www.genomemedical.com/individuals/
Don’t remember the exact cost but I think appointments were around $150 and you typically have two. One for the initial consultation and another to discuss test results. Then I used Genomic Prediction for genetic screening during IVF. GP charges a flat fee of $1000 and then charges $400 per embryo for the screening. If you get 10 embryos the total cost for testing will be $5000.