Question
Can patients with Down syndrome have children? My husband has Down syndrome, and we are eager to have a child, but we are worried about passing on this disease to our offspring, which is very distressing. Can a male with Down syndrome successfully conceive?
Answer
Due to the chromosomal abnormality in male patients with Down syndrome, caution should be exercised when considering conception. The male’s chromosomal composition is already abnormal, and conceiving in this situation may likely result in offspring with chromosomal abnormalities, and there is also a possibility of passing on Down syndrome, as this is a genetic disease that can have intergenerational inheritance. Therefore, if you have Down syndrome, it is recommended to seek professional advice on fertility issues and undergo comprehensive genetic counseling and testing.