At Genesis, we have on site genetic counseling services for our IVF patients, as well as our other patients who require genetic counseling. Katherine Mah, MS, CGC is board certified in genetic counseling by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. To schedule an appointment with Katherine, please call Jill Jabbour at 718-283-6588 or send an e-mail to jjabbour@genesisfertility.com.
Why is genetic counseling important?
Certain genetic tests may be appropriate for you given your family history, personal health history or pregnancy history. The goal of genetic counseling is to provide you with information about your testing options so that you can make an informed choice about whether to proceed with testing. Because genetic test results can have an emotional impact and affect other family members, the decision to have a genetic test is often complex and difficult. Genetic counseling provides you with support and information so that you can feel certain that you are making a well-informed choice.
Who benefits from genetic counseling?
Patients who are at increased risk of having a pregnancy affected with a genetic or chromosomal condition benefit from genetic counseling. These patients may have a family history of an inherited condition or birth defect or be affected themselves with these conditions. Patients who are known carriers of genetic conditions or chromosomal changes may benefit from genetic counseling. Finally, women who are 35 years of age or older are at increased risk of having a pregnancy affected with a chromosome problem and may benefit from genetic counseling.
Genetic screening tests that identify pregnancies at increased risk and genetic tests that inform fertility treatment are also available. Genetic screening tests for conditions common among certain ethnic groups may be offered to you, such as tests for cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs disease. Couples with a history of multiple miscarriages, women with premature ovarian failure, and men with very low sperm counts or azoospermia may be offered certain genetic tests. Results from these tests may affect a patient?s treatment plan so that the most effective fertility treatment can be provided. |
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