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Genetic services

Helpful tools
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Specialised genetic assessments and counselling services

We have genetic specialists across NZ with Clinical Genetics Auckland (CGA) holding clinics at our Auckland clinic and Kate Gibson at Fertility Associates in Christchurch or via Zoom to anyone around NZ.

They are able to provide specialised genetic counselling and assessments as well as information, education, genetic testing and supportive counselling to patients within NZ including:

  • The diagnosis of a genetic condition
  • Pre-conception testing and advice, including reproductive carrier screening which involves testing for a wide range of genetic conditions to determine if there is an increased chance of having a child with one of the tested conditions
  • Family medical history and implications
  • Cancer family history, risk assessment and genetic testing, including BRCA testing in addition to other genes that can predispose to breast, ovarian, bowel, stomach and other cancers
  • Genetic testing for other inherited health problems
  • Risk for current pregnancy or future pregnancies
  • Options for having a family when you have genetic risks.

They can also discuss the potential outcomes of genetic testing including

  • preimplantation genetic screening (where embryos are tested for either chromosome or single gene disorders)
  • cancer gene testing
  • non-invasive pre-natal testing, which is a test carried out in early pregnancy to screen for down syndrome and other chromosome imbalances
  • pre-conception advice regarding chromosomal translocations. 
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Meet our genetics team

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Make an appointment

You can self-refer by emailing jeaton@fa.co.nz or be referred by your doctor.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

Book a free 20 minute phone consultation with one of our expert fertility nurses.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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