In assisted reproduction , it is becoming increasingly common to incorporate genetic testing to help reduce the risk of passing on certain hereditary conditions to offspring.
What is genetic compatibility testing?
The genetic compatibility test is an analysis that evaluates hundreds of genes associated with recessive hereditary diseases.
Recessive diseases are those that only manifest when two altered copies of the same gene are inherited, that is, one from each parent. For this reason, a person may be a carrier of a genetic mutation without showing any symptoms or having a known family history.
The aim of the test is not to detect diseases in the person undergoing the analysis, but to identify whether there is a shared genetic risk between both partners.
How do genetic compatibility tests work?
The test is carried out using a blood or saliva sample and allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple genes associated with hereditary diseases.
Once the results are obtained, the genetic profiles of both partners are compared to check whether they carry mutations in the same gene, which could increase the risk of passing on a genetic disease to their offspring.
When is genetic compatibility testing recommended?
Genetic compatibility testing can be carried out both in couples with a family history and in people with no known family history of genetic disease.
Currently, many assisted reproduction centres recommend this test before starting treatment, particularly in situations such as:
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments.
- Egg or sperm donation procedures.
- A family history of hereditary diseases.
- Recurrent miscarriages of unknown cause.
- Consanguinity or biological kinship between the couple.
What happens if genetic incompatibility is detected?
Detecting a genetic risk does not necessarily mean that a healthy pregnancy cannot be achieved. The important thing is to have information that allows for informed and personalised reproductive decisions.
Depending on the case, the medical team may suggest different options, such as:
- Undergoing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to select unaffected embryos.
- Choosing a genetically compatible sperm or egg donor.
- Receiving specialist genetic counselling before trying to conceive.
The aim is not to cause alarm, but to reduce risks and provide every couple with the tools they need to make decisions with calm and confidence.
The importance of personalised genetic counselling
The interpretation of a genetic test must always be carried out on an individual basis and supervised by professionals specialising in reproductive genetics.
At Barcelona IVF , genetic compatibility testing forms part of a comprehensive approach aimed at offering increasingly personalised and safe treatments. The aim is to help couples understand their results, resolve any doubts and make reproductive decisions with the greatest possible peace of mind.
