Overview
Many conditions or disorders tend to run in families. These hereditary (or genetic) conditions are passed down from parents to their children in the form of genes. Some couples have concerns when planning a family regarding genetic conditions that have affected other family members.
IVFAustralia’s
genetic counsellors provide individuals and families with current information about hereditary conditions. In many cases genetic counselling can reassure couples that there is no increased risk, or that there is a much lower risk of the child inheriting the condition than they had originally thought.
In other circumstances specialised genetic testing allows a couple to make an informed choice. This testing is either at the
pre-implantation stage (PGD) or during pregnancy.
IVFAustralia has made it a priority to provide patients with access to appropriate genetic counselling services when they are planning reproductive treatment.
The aims of the genetic counselling service are to:
- Provide families with up-to-date genetic information about congenital or inherited health problems within their family.
- Provide supportive counselling to assist families and individuals to understand and adjust to a genetic diagnosis.
- Advise about the role of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
- Identify specialised genetic tests that may help with the management of pregnancy.
Please call our Public Liaison Co-ordinator on 1800 111 483 for further information, or call your local clinic to make an appointment with a Genetic Counsellor.