Thanks for the explanations girls - I'm pretty sure I get it now.

BG - Thanks for the info!

*squishy* - I will be getting tested at the end of this month to find out if I am a carrier. I am asking these questions for the purposes of gaining information to prepare for the worst. I do know what type of dystrophy - it is called Scapuloperoneal Dystrophy which is a very rare form and there isn't much information about it. They have been able to identify where the defect lies on the gene so testing is available. Should it come back that I am a carrier then the next step will be to see a genetic counsellor. Thanks for all the info.

where there's hope - I was actually wondering about this. So I can either choose gender (only males can be affected by this defected gene so we would choose to have a girl) or I can have the embryo's scanned for the defect irrespective of sex - but not both because it can cause too much damage to the embryo? Am I on the right track? Can I ring Sydney IVF without a referral from my GP?

red lady - thanks for the link - I will check it out today. If the test comes back positive we will be seeing a genetic counsellor asap as I will need some help getting through this. Thanks for your advice.

KMN - Thanks for the info!