Next Fertility Nordic offers genetic counselling to people who wish to assess the risks of hereditary diseases, learn more about genetic tests, or need help understanding the results of a genetic test that has already been performed.
Genetic information can be important for both your own health and the health of your future child. A genetic counsellor helps explain which genetic tests may be appropriate in your particular situation, what the test results mean, and what options are available for the next steps.
Genetic tests at Next Fertility Nordic
Our clinic offers a range of genetic tests and examinations:
- Chromosome analysis (karyotype testing) – helps assess the number and structure of chromosomes and identify possible chromosomal changes.
- Carrier screening – for example, the Igenomix CGT and CGTPlus tests are specifically designed for family planning.
- Embryo diagnostics – preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos.
- Prenatal screening with NIPTIFY – a non-invasive prenatal screening test used to assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions during pregnancy.
When should you consider genetic counselling?
Pre-test genetic counselling may be useful if:
- there are hereditary or genetic diseases in your family;
- you want to assess your own or your future child’s inherited health risks;
- you are planning a pregnancy and want to learn more about reproductive genetic testing;
- you are considering carrier screening or another genetic test;
- you have questions about a possible genetic cause of a particular condition;
- you want to know which genetic test may be appropriate in your situation and what the possibilities and limitations of the testing are.
Pre-test genetic counselling
Pre-test counselling lasts approximately 60 minutes. During the consultation, the genetic counsellor collects relevant health and family history information and, if necessary, prepares a family pedigree.
The aim of counselling is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of possible hereditary risks and provide you with a clear overview of the available genetic testing options. The counsellor also explains what information the test may provide and what the possible implications of different results may be.
A genetic test is an important decision for an individual, and counselling helps you understand what you want to learn from the test and what the information obtained may mean for you before testing.
What does a genetic counsellor do?
A genetic counsellor helps make complex genetic information easier to understand and supports you in making informed decisions. They help you understand genetic information.
During counselling, the genetic counsellor takes your goals, questions and concerns into account and explains the role of genes in the development of diseases and other health characteristics.
A genetic counsellor:
- selexplains the nature of genetic diseases and hereditary risks;
- introduces different genetic testing options;
- helps choose the genetic test that is appropriate for your situation;
- explains what the results of a genetic test may mean;
- helps assess the possible impact of genetic test results on family members and future children;
- supports you in making informed decisions;
- if necessary, refers you to an appropriate specialist or support service.
If you have already had a genetic test
Genetic testing can raise many questions. Not all genetic test results are straightforward to interpret, and their significance must also be considered in the context of the individual’s health and family history.
Post-test genetic counselling may be necessary if:
- you have received a genetic test result and want to better understand what it means;
- the test result indicates a possible hereditary disease or genetic risk;
- you want to know how the result may affect your children or other family members;
- you need recommendations for further monitoring or additional tests;
- the genetic test result raises questions or uncertainty.
Genetic counselling and family planning
Genetic counselling can be particularly important when planning a pregnancy and during fertility treatment, if there are hereditary diseases in the family or if you wish to assess the genetic risks for future children.
Carrier screening and other reproductive genetic tests can provide more information about whether prospective parents carry certain genetic variants associated with hereditary diseases. A genetic counsellor helps you understand the available testing options and the possible meaning of the results.
Genetic counselling can support reproductive decision-making and help assess genetic testing options, but genetic information alone does not determine which fertility treatment is appropriate.
Why consider genetic counselling?
Genetic information may seem complex, but understanding it does not have to be.
A genetic counsellor can help you:
- munderstand the genetic risks in your family;
- find a genetic test that is appropriate for your situation;
- understand genetic test results;
- assess the possible impact of the results on your family and future children;
- make more informed decisions related to genetic testing and family planning.
If you have questions about genetic testing, hereditary diseases or genetic risks in your family, book an appointment for genetic counselling.
Why choose Next Fertility Nordic?
We have years of experience in infertility treatment and belong to the Next Fertility network, which connects over 20 clinics across Europe. We offer the most modern infertility treatment in Estonia. The clinic has its own laboratory, biobank, and highly qualified specialists dedicated to providing you with the best possible treatment.
+20 IVF Clinics
8 Laboratories
9 Countries
3 Biobanks
