Should I do genetic testing?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to conceive a child. Genetic testing can be a sensitive issue for some. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about any possible genetic risks and then consider your options.

Factors For Genetic Testing Consideration

A thorough health history can help decide if genetic testing should be considered. Factors include:

1. You and your spouses age
2. Ethnic background*
3. Family History
4. Medical History

*Common Genetic diseases related to your ethnicity include:

• Sickle cell anemia (most common in people of African heritage)
• Thalassemia (occurs most frequently in people of Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Asian and African ancestry)
• Tay-Sachs disease (most common among Ashkenazi Jews)
• Cystic fibrosis (most likely to occur if there’s a family history of cystic fibrosis — people with Caucasian background are more likely be affected than other ethnicity)
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

If a thorough medical history suggests the possibility of a genetic disease, your doctor will probably recommend that you and your partner be screened to see if either (or both) of you carry a gene. The test can be done through blood testing.

Ultimately, the decision should be made by you and your partner. We recommend to speak to a genetic counselor (it is a free phone call) before scheduling the test so that all your questions/concerns are addressed. All genetic companies (such as Natera, Good Start Genetics, Recombine, etc) offer a free phone consult before doing the test, and if any of the screens come back positive for one of the common genetic diseases noted above. There’s no right answer, only the answer that’s right for you and your family.

If you are in the process of trying to conceive and are experiencing fertility issues, we welcome you to learn more about Virginia Center for Reproductive Health at: http://www.vcrmed.com/

Fertility Drugs and Medications to Treat Female Infertility

Fertility drugs are the primary treatment for women with ovulation issues. We know that the whole process can be very confusing with all the treatment options available. This is especially true for someone who is just beginning her fertility journey. To help you familiarize with various fertility medication options currently available in the marketplace, Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine has compiled a list of the most common fertility drugs prescribed, how they work and how to use them.

1) Clomiphene Citrate

Common Brand Names: Clomid, Tamoxifen, Letrozole (Femara)

How it Works: these medications create an increase in the hormones that support growth and release of a mature egg.

How to Use: s taken by mouth for 5 days. Your fertility doctor will give you directions on how and when to take it. Be sure to follow the dosing schedule exactly for optimum results.

If these are successful, your fertility specialist may recommend injectable hormones to stimulate ovulation.

2) Menotropins

Common Brand Names: Menopur

How it Works: Menotropins provides the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that help healthy ovaries make eggs. This medication is often combined with another hormone (hCG-human chorionic gonadotropin) to help you become pregnant by growing and releasing mature eggs.

How to Use: Menotropins is an injection. Your fertility clinic will train you on how to properly use this medication.

3) FSH preparations

Common Brand Names: Bravelle, Follistim, Gonal-F

How it Works: these medications provide the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that stimulates the development and growth in ovaries. This medication is often combined with another hormone (hCG-human chorionic gonadotropin) to help you become pregnant by growing and releasing mature eggs. They are not recommended for women with primary ovarian failure.

How to Use: By an injection usually taken once a day. The medicine comes with Patient Information directions. Read over all the directions carefully

4) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Common Brand Names: Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel

How it Works: hCG is given after finishing Menotropins to cause the release of an egg.

How to Use it: hCG is an injection directly into a muscle by a health care professional. Occasionally this medication is taken at home

If you are in the process of familiarizing yourself with various fertility options before starting your fertility treatment journey, we welcome you to contact us at 703-437-7722 or visit or website at: http://www.vcrmed.com/