What is Human Genetics?

Human genetics is the study of hereditary traits encoded in our DNA. DNA is a molecule found in our cells that contains the instructions necessary for all our biological functions. These instructions are called genes, and each gene is responsible for the production of a specific protein. Proteins form the basis of all structural and functional units in our body.

The human genome is a complex structure containing approximately 3 billion base pairs and hosting more than 20.000 genes. Our genes are located on chromosomes that we inherit from our parents, and there are two copies of each gene. One copy comes from the mother and the other from the father.

Our genes determine many of our physical characteristics, such as our eye color, hair color, height and weight. It can also affect our risk of many diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The Importance of Human Genetics in IVF Treatment

Human genetics plays a very important role in in vitro fertilization treatment. The main purpose of in vitro fertilization treatment is to create a healthy embryo and transfer this embryo to the uterus to have a healthy baby.

The importance of human genetics in in vitro fertilization treatment can be summarized as follows:

• Embryo selection: In in vitro fertilization treatment, eggs and sperm taken from the mother and father are fertilized in a laboratory environment and the healthiest embryo is selected and transferred to the uterus. Genetic testing plays an important role in embryo selection. Thanks to these tests, it becomes possible to select and eliminate embryos that are carriers of genetic diseases and to transfer a healthy embryo.
• Prevention of genetic diseases: Thanks to the genetic tests used in in vitro fertilization treatment, it becomes possible to prevent many genetic diseases that can be passed from mother and father to the child. These tests enable the identification of genetic diseases that are carriers and the selection and elimination of embryos with these diseases.
• Increasing the chance of success: Genetic tests also increase the chances of success of IVF treatment. Selecting a healthy embryo and transferring it to the uterus increases the chances of pregnancy and having a healthy baby.

Some genetic tests used in in vitro fertilization treatment are:

• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): This test is used to determine whether the embryos obtained in IVF treatment are genetically healthy. Thanks to PGT, many genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis and hemophilia can be prevented.
• Chromosome Analysis: This test is used to determine whether the embryos' chromosome number and structure are normal. Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to miscarriage and birth defects.
• Gene Carrier Screening: This test is used to determine whether the mother and father are carriers of genetic diseases that can be passed on to the child. Thanks to carrier screening, embryos at risk of genetic diseases can be selectively eliminated.

Can Healthy People Perform In Vitro Fertilization?

Yes, healthy people can also benefit from IVF treatment. In vitro fertilization treatment can be used in the following situations:

• Inability to conceive naturally: In vitro fertilization treatment is one of the most effective methods to overcome the problem of infertility.
• Genetic disease risk: IVF treatment and genetic tests can be used to prevent the risk of passing genetic diseases from the mother or father to the child.
• High risk pregnancy: If there is a high-risk pregnancy due to the age or health condition of the mother or father, IVF treatment may be a safer option.

In Vitro Gene Extraction?

In vitro fertilization is a method used in gene extraction and IVF treatment. In this method, eggs and sperm taken from the mother and father are fertilized in a laboratory environment and the resulting embryos are subjected to genetic tests. As a result of genetic tests, embryos with carrier genetic diseases or chromosomal anomalies are selected and eliminated. In this way, the probability of transferring a healthy embryo to the uterus and having a healthy baby increases.

What is Genetic IVF?

Genetic ivf is a type of ivf treatment. In this method, embryos used in IVF treatment are subjected to genetic tests and embryos with genetic diseases or chromosomal anomalies are selected and eliminated. In this way, the probability of transferring a healthy embryo to the uterus and having a healthy baby increases.

In Vitro Genetic Testing?

Genetic tests used in in vitro fertilization treatment are used to determine whether the embryos are genetically healthy. Thanks to these tests, many genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis and hemophilia can be prevented.

For more information about in vitro fertilization treatment and genetic testing, you can contact an IVF center or genetic counselor.

Important note: This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, it is important to consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.