Article Translations: (Spanish)
A genetic condition is a health problem caused by a difference in a person’s genes.
Genes are the instructions that tell our body how to grow and function. Everyone has about 20,000 genes that come in pairs. We get one copy of each gene from each parent. That’s why genetic conditions run in families.
We all have differences in our genes—that’s what makes us unique. But some genetic differences can cause a problem with a person’s health.
Genetic conditions happen in different ways. For some genetic conditions, a person needs to have a difference in both copies of the gene in a pair. For other conditions, it takes only one copy with a difference to cause the person to have the condition.
A person who has or “carries” a genetic difference in one copy of a gene but doesn’t have the disease is called a “carrier.”
Many people who are carriers don’t know it because they are generally healthy. And most carriers don’t have symptoms. But for some conditions, carriers can have mild symptoms. People who know they are carriers can be on the lookout for symptoms and tell their doctor.
It’s good for a person to know if they are a carrier for a genetic condition because there’s a chance they could pass on the genetic difference to a child. If their partner also is a carrier of the condition and they both pass the gene to their child, the child would have the condition.
There are ways for carriers to lower their chances of passing on a gene for a genetic condition.
Genetic counselors are experts on how conditions can run in families. A genetic counselor can explain to you:
The best time to talk with a genetic counselor is well before you’re ready to have kids. That way, you're better prepared when the time comes. A genetic counselor provides support while people decide what is right for them. The counselor doesn’t tell anyone what to do.
Your doctor can connect you with a genetic counselor.
It’s a good idea for a carrier to know if their partner is also a carrier.
Couples who both are carriers of a condition might want to lower the chances of their child having a condition. It helps to know about the different ways to start a family.
A couple can:
Some people decide not to have kids. And that’s OK too. When you know your options, you can make a decision that’s best for you.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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