Genetic Counseling and Testing
in Tijuana, Mexico
At Fertilite Center in Tijuana, Mexico, our genetic counseling services offer personalized support to help you understand your unique genetic risks—an essential step in planning for your future family. Our experienced counselors assess your family history and inherited conditions, guiding you through tailored genetic testing options. Especially valuable for individuals or couples considering pregnancy or fertility treatments, genetic counseling addresses potential risks related to fertility, pregnancy, and inherited disorders, empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for a healthy future.
What is genetic counseling and testing?
Understanding your genetic risks is an important part of planning for your future family. Our genetic counseling offers personalized support to help you navigate your unique genetic profile, empowering you to make informed decisions about your fertility and family planning with confidence. Our experienced genetic counselors work closely with you to assess your family history and any potentially inherited conditions, providing guidance on genetic testing options that are right for you.
With a focus on your individual needs and concerns, we help you navigate the complexities of genetic health, empowering you to make well-informed choices about your future. Whether you're planning for a family or addressing specific genetic concerns, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert support every step of the way.
Genetic counseling at Fertilite Center provides personalized guidance to help you understand your genetic risks, empowering you to make informed decisions about reproduction. Our expert genetic counselors are here to support you every step of the way, helping you navigate the path to your family’s future. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your reproductive health and family planning.
How does Genetic Counseling work?
Genetic counseling and testing a process that involves assessing and managing the risk of inherited conditions.
Consultation
The first step is a meeting with a genetic counselor or a healthcare provider specializing in genetics. You will discuss the reasons for genetic testing (e.g., family history, recurrent miscarriages, or infertility issues) and decide which tests might be helpful.
Assessment of Family History
The counselor evaluates whether there are inherited conditions in the family, such as certain types of cancers, genetic disorders, or birth defects.
Explaining Testing Options
Based on your family history, the counselor will explain available testing options, which may include: Carrier screening for inherited conditions; Chromosomal analysis (e.g., karyotyping); Single-gene tests (for known mutations in a specific gene); Prenatal genetic testing (e.g., amniocentesis or CVS); Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
Decision-Making
Genetic tests typically involve a sample of blood, saliva, or tissue from the individual undergoing testing. For prenatal testing, amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells may be collected. The sample is sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis. Testing could involve identifying gene mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, or carrier status for genetic diseases.
Receiving Results
The results are typically available within a few days to weeks. A follow-up consultation with the genetic counselor is scheduled to discuss the findings. The counselor will explain what the results mean in the context of your health, potential risks, and options. This may include discussing whether further testing or medical intervention is needed.
Decision-Making After Results
Depending on the results, you may be referred for additional testing, medical consultations, or management strategies. If the results reveal significant health risks, ongoing support and counseling may be necessary to help you cope with the emotional impact.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Support
Genetic counseling can be a long-term process, especially if there are complex conditions or family planning decisions to consider. Regular follow-up sessions may be needed to address any questions, concerns, or changes in family planning. If applicable, the counselor will assist with future family planning decisions and offer support for any changes in reproductive plans
IUI is an option for
Couples facing unexplained infertility
Those who have been trying to conceive for six months to one year, depending on age, without success, and where fertility testing has not identified a clear cause.
Single women using donor sperm
Those who don’t have needs that require IVF.
Lesbian couples and individuals assigned female at birth
Those who require donor sperm and intend to carry the pregnancy.
Mild male infertility issues
In such cases, placing the washed sperm directly can be more effective than relying on natural conception alone.
Individuals with endometriosis or those facing ovulatory or cervical issues.
In our lab, sperm is directly injected into each egg to fertilize it. This process is known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Genetic Counseling and Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Genetic counseling is a vital service for individuals or couples who are considering pregnancy or undergoing fertility treatments. Our experienced genetic counselors help you understand the potential genetic risks related to fertility, pregnancy, or inherited conditions. We provide a compassionate and confidential environment to discuss your personal and family medical history, and we guide you through the genetic testing process to assess any risks.
Genetic counseling is recommended for those with a family history of genetic conditions, recurrent miscarriages, infertility, advanced maternal age, abnormal prenatal tests, or newborn screening concerns. It is also advised for individuals from high-risk ethnic groups with personal medical histories of genetic-related conditions or exposure to environmental risks. Couples planning a family or seeking preventative health insights may also benefit.
Genetic testing is highly accurate for detecting specific mutations or conditions, often exceeding 99% accuracy for targeted tests. Broader tests, like genome sequencing, may identify uncertain results. Prenatal and carrier tests are reliable but may have limitations. Accuracy depends on the type of test, the condition being tested, and laboratory standards, with results best interpreted by a healthcare professional.
It can help assess inherited risks, guide reproductive decisions, evaluate prenatal test results, and recommend preventive measures or treatments.
Genetic counseling and testing before pregnancy help identify and manage genetic risks, enabling informed family planning and reproductive decisions. Benefits include understanding carrier status, preventing genetic disorders, tailoring fertility treatments, and preparing emotionally and financially. Early intervention opportunities and personalized medical advice enhance pregnancy outcomes while facilitating family communication and ethical decision-making. This proactive approach ensures a healthier start for your family and peace of mind for prospective parents.
Most couples will try IUI 3 to 4 times before exploring other fertility treatments like IVF. However, this depends on individual circumstances and should be discussed with your doctor.
Genetic counseling impacts family planning by helping individuals and couples understand genetic risks, assess inherited conditions, and make informed reproductive decisions. It provides guidance on options like IVF with PGT, donor gametes, or adoption, and helps prevent genetic disorders. The process offers personalized medical advice and emotional support and aids in ethical and financial planning, ensuring healthier pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, it facilitates clear communication within the family and reduces uncertainty, empowering families to make well-informed choices for their future.
The physical risks are minimal (e.g., discomfort during sample collection), but emotional or psychological effects may occur, especially if results reveal unexpected risks or conditions.