Embarking on the journey of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing. PGT-M offers a potential option for your future family, but it also raises questions about how to obtain the necessary genetic information. If the thought of requesting DNA samples and genetic test reports from your relatives makes you uncomfortable, you're not alone. In this blog, we'll discuss strategies to navigate PGT-M without feeling uneasy about involving your family members.

In this post, I want to explore whether we really are in GATTACA already.

You might have recently received a call from a nurse or genetic counselor, perhaps someone you've interacted with before, or perhaps not. Alternatively, you may have logged into your patient profile and come across a test result indicating something like "increased risk," "positive," or "high likelihood."

The outcome might have taken you entirely by surprise, and you might be pondering what steps to take next. It's crucial to note that this blog post serves as a bridge between receiving the initial result and having a conversation with your doctor, and not as a substitute for medical advice.

It’s not that what you think doesn’t matter, but what other’s think does influence your decisions. Social norms play a significant role in shaping our decision making as individuals. Countless studies have shown the profound impact of social norms on our behavior and choices. In one study conducted by Cialdini et al. (2006), participants were more likely to litter in a public environment once they observed someone else engaging in such behavior. This study demonstrates the power of social norms in influencing our actions and decisions by signaling what is considered acceptable within a given social context. Additionally, another study by Nolan et al. (2008) found that individuals were more likely to conserve energy when they received feedback indicating that their energy consumption was higher than their neighbors'. The findings from these studies highlight how social norms affect our decisions even if we don’t realize how influential they are.

Carrier screening has been around for decades, starting with assessment for conditions like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. Nowadays, there is the ability to test for hundreds of conditions, some of which can be difficult to predict the inheritance or resulting features of the condition. In genetics, there is a constant battle to weigh information seeking with possible uncertainty and unexpected results.

Carrier screening and more studies are revealing for some carriers, they may have symptoms of a condition. In a recent article, Reproductive Carrier Screening Results With Maternal Health Implications During Pregnancy, there was focus on symptoms that might arise in pregnancy in order to ensure patients are monitored appropriately. This blog post will discuss the findings of the article in more detail.

In the ever-evolving landscape of reproductive medicine, advancements continue to empower individuals with ovaries to make informed choices about their fertility options. One such groundbreaking innovation is egg freezing, also known as cryopreservation of egg cells. This blog post will dive into some reasons someone may pursue egg freezing, what the general process is like, and resources to learn more.

Please check out the previous blog posts, handouts, and informational pages discuss what PGT-M and the process of pursuing this testing. This post will dive right into what makes PGT-M different from other genetic tests.

Family history plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of potential health concerns. If you have a family history of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that most often affects the lungs and digestive system, you might be wondering about your chance of being a carrier. Carrier screening is an option that can provide valuable insights into your genetic makeup and help you make informed decisions about family planning. In this blog post, we'll explore what cystic fibrosis is, the importance of carrier screening, and how it can impact your family's future.

The decision to freeze or cryopreserve egg cells is an empowering choice for many individuals. It offers a sense of reassurance for future family-building while allowing people to focus on personal or career aspirations. However, life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. The original plans for frozen egg cells may need to be reevaluated. At such moments, a decision has to be made as to what to do with remaining egg cells. In this blog post, we'll explore the findings from a recent article titled, Elective egg freezers’ disposition decisions: a qualitative study.

I recently went on a kayak and realized how fun they are, but what I did not realize it came with a warning for reproductive harm. The warning is placed under the “details” section of the listing and links to California’s Proposition 65 List, which lists the harmful chemicals to avoid. This realization parallels my recent rabbit hole of learning about environmental exposures and their corresponding reproductive harm. This blog will highlight some of the resources I’ve come across.