Frequently Asked Questions
A: Fertility Genetics is a specialised team focused on advanced fertility care and genetic testing. We combine reproductive medicine with cutting-edge genetic screening to help individuals and couples achieve healthy pregnancies. Our team provides compassionate, science-driven solutions for every stage of the fertility journey.
A: Our services are designed for individuals and couples who are:
Facing difficulties conceiving naturally
Considering IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies
At risk of passing on genetic conditions
Seeking clarity through preconception or prenatal genetic testing
We tailor each plan to meet your unique family-building goals.
A: Fertility Genetics LLP provides a full range of services offering support for individuals and couples who have had:
Help trying to conceive (IVF, IUI, Donor Conception, Surrogacy)
Genetic testing preimplantation genetic testing for a monogenic disorder (PGT-M)
Genetic testing preimplantation genetic testing for a chromosome rearrangement (PGT-SR)
Embryo selection with preimplantation genetic testing for chromosome aneuploidy (PGT-A)
Embryo transfers of PGT-A mosaic classified embryos
Would like genetic testing
Seeking support for genetic testing before treatment
Egg and sperm analysis
Genetic counselling for hereditary risks
Fertility preservation (egg/sperm/embryo freezing)
Each consultation is personalised to maximise success while ensuring safety.
A: All patient information is treated with complete confidentiality. We comply with medical data protection regulations and never share your information without consent.
A: Carrier screening is a simple genetic test that helps you learn if you carry a gene that could cause certain inherited health conditions. Being a “carrier” usually doesn’t affect your own health, but it increases the chance of having a child with a serious genetic condition if you and your partner both carry the same genetic condition. Carrier screening can give you peace of mind and helps you make informed choices when planning a family. Fertility Genetics can guide and support you through your options for carrier screening.
A: Most people who carry genetic conditions have no family history and are completely healthy. Carrier screening gives you a clearer picture of your genetic health so you can:
Reduce the chance of passing on certain conditions
Plan for a healthy pregnancy
Explore options early, if needed
It is about giving you knowledge and confidence for your family’s future.
A: It’s quick and easy. Carrier screening only requires a small saliva sample. Our team at Fertility Genetics will guide you through the process, supporting you at each step. A pre-test consultation is offered to discuss all the steps in detail and answer any questions you may have. Carrier screening results are usually ready within a few weeks.
A: Yes. Carrier screening is completely safe. It is a routine lab test. Fertility Genetics can guide you through the process, supporting you at each step. A pre-test consultation is offered to discuss all the steps in detail and answer any questions you may have. Carrier screening results are usually ready within a few weeks.
A: Ideally, carrier screening is done before pregnancy, this way, you have the most options for planning. But it can also be offered during pregnancy, as it is still helpful for understanding your baby’s health risks. Fertility Genetics can guide you through the process, supporting you at each step. A pre-test consultation is offered to discuss all the steps in detail and answer any questions you may have. Carrier screening results are usually ready within a few weeks.
A: Don’t worry. Being a carrier doesn’t mean you are unwell. It just means you have one copy of a gene that could cause a genetic condition and you will not develop symptoms of the condition. If your partner is not a carrier for the same condition, there is no risk for your baby. If both partners are carriers, our genetic counsellors at Fertility Genetics will guide you through your options in a supportive, clear way.
A: You have several options. Some couples choose fertility treatments like IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select healthy embryos, while others explore alternative paths to parenthood. Our genetic counsellors at Fertility Genetics are available to help explain your options and guide you through your choices, supporting your decisions.
A: At Fertility Genetics, we believe knowledge should never feel overwhelming. Our genetic counsellors are here to explain results in plain language, answer all your questions, and help you feel confident in whatever decision you make. You can get in touch by emailing us on info@fertility-genetics.co.uk and one of our team will respond to your queries.
A: Preimplantation genetic testing is an additional process used during IVF to examine embryos for genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. PGT helps reduce the risk of inherited diseases and can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Fertility Genetics can help you understand your results and support you on your family planning journey.
A: PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is a test that checks embryos during IVF to see if they have the right number of chromosomes. Having the right number is important for healthy growth and development. By choosing embryos with normal chromosomes, PGT-A can improve your chances of pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Fertility Genetics can help you understand your results and support you on your family planning journey.
A: Preimplantation genetic testing is an additional process used during IVF to examine embryos for genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. PGT helps reduce the risk of inherited diseases and can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Fertility Genetics can help you understand your results and support you on your family planning journey.
A: Many choose PGT-A if:
they have experienced multiple miscarriages
are of advanced maternal age
have had unsuccessful IVF cycles
want to reduce the chance of passing on chromosomal issues
PGT-A helps your doctor choose the embryos with the best chance of success. You can request an appointment to discuss this before treatment with one of our genetic counsellors at Fertility Genetics to see if this is an option that is suitable for your needs
A: A mosaic embryo is one where some cells have the correct number of chromosomes and others do not. This “mixed” result is called mosaicism. Our genetic counsellors at Fertility Genetics are available to help explain what this means and support you in your decision making if you would like to use them in a frozen embryo transfer cycle. You can get in touch by emailing us on info@fertility-genetics.co.uk requesting an appointment.
A: Yes, in certain cases. While embryos with normal chromosomes (euploid embryos) are usually the first choice, mosaic embryos may be considered when no other embryos are available. Many healthy babies have been born from mosaic embryos. Your doctor will refer you to a genetic counsellor will carefully explain what it means for your situation. Fertility Genetics can help you understand your mosaic results; you can get in touch by emailing us on info@fertility-genetics.co.uk requesting an appointment.
A: You don’t have to make this decision alone. Our specialist genetic counsellors will go through your results step by step, explain the possible outcomes, and support you in choosing what feels right for your family. Every patient’s journey is unique, and we are here to guide you with compassion and care. Fertility Genetics can help you understand your mosaic results; you can get in touch by emailing us on info@fertility-genetics.co.uk requesting an appointment.
A: Yes. PGT-A involves taking a few cells from the outer layer of the embryo (which becomes the placenta, not the baby). The procedure is performed by highly trained specialists and does not harm the embryo’s ability to implant or grow. If you would like to speak with one of our genetic counsellors at Fertility Genetics before opting for PGT-A, you can get in touch by emailing us on info@fertility-genetics.co.uk requesting an appointment.
A: Yes. Genetic counselling helps you understand what a balanced reciprocal translocation means for your fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and chances of having a healthy child. A genetic counsellor can explain reproductive risks and available options, including natural conception, IVF, and embryo testing.
A: Fertility Genetics provides specialist genetic counselling for individuals and couples with balanced chromosomal translocations. Appointments include personalised risk assessment, education, and reproductive planning support.
A: A balanced reciprocal translocation does not usually affect health, but it can increase the risk of infertility, miscarriage, or embryos with unbalanced chromosomes. Genetic counselling helps clarify these risks for your specific translocation.
A: Yes. Robertsonian translocations can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Genetic counselling explains the chance of miscarriage, chromosomal conditions, and reproductive options such as IVF with genetic testing.
A: Preconception genetic screening often includes carrier screening for recessive conditions and, in some cases, chromosome analysis. A genetic counsellor can recommend appropriate tests based on your history and ancestry.
A: Preconception screening is recommended for many individuals and couples to reduce the risk of inherited genetic conditions and to support informed pregnancy planning.
A: Fertility Genetics offers preconception genetic counselling and testing, including carrier screening and guidance on next steps before pregnancy or IVF.
A: Genetic counselling can assess your reproductive risk, explain inheritance patterns, and guide testing for the same condition(s) before proceeding with treatment.
A: Yes. Genetic counselling ensures you understand potential risks and helps you decide whether additional testing is recommended.
A: A genetic counsellor can explain how the condition may affect pregnancy and children, assess your risk, and guide appropriate screening options.
A: A genetic counsellor can explain your PGT-A results, including euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, and segmental findings, and provide a clinical report for your fertility clinic.
A: Segmental aneuploidy refers to partial chromosome gains or losses in an embryo. Genetic counselling helps interpret these results and discuss potential reproductive implications.
A: The decision to transfer a mosaic embryo is complex. Genetic counselling provides personalised risk assessment, current evidence, and support for decision-making.
A: PGT is testing performed on embryos during IVF to assess chromosome number (PGT-A), inherited genetic conditions (PGT-M), or structural rearrangements (PGT-SR).
A: Yes. PGT-M allows embryos to be tested for known inherited genetic conditions following genetic counselling and test development.
A: Pregnancy testing options include screening tests and diagnostic tests at different stages. A genetic counsellor can explain options based on gestational age and clinical history.
A: Testing timing depends on the type of test and your pregnancy stage. Genetic counselling helps you choose appropriate tests and understand results.
A: Y chromosome microdeletions can affect sperm production and fertility. Genetic counselling explains implications for fertility treatment and potential inheritance.
A: X chromosome microdeletions may affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. Genetic counselling provides interpretation and guidance.
A: A genetic counsellor can review your child’s medical history and recommend appropriate genetic tests, coordinating testing and result interpretation.
A: Fertility Genetics offers specialist genetic counselling to explain genetic test results, fertility implications, and reproductive options.
A: Genetic counselling helps identify appropriate tests, arrange testing, and support you through understanding results and next steps.