5. The only way to know if you’re a carrier of a genetic disease is to get screened or have an affected child. Carriers are healthy individuals with no symptoms.

4. 3 out of 4 people test positive as carriers for one or more genetic diseases that could affect their future children. But, options exist for carrier couples to have a healthy baby: IVF/PGD, sperm or egg donation from a non-carrier, adoption, prenatal testing.

3. No family history of genetic disease? Your kids can still be at risk since 80% of babies born with genetic diseases are born to couples with no known family history of that disease.

2. DNA testing on your saliva can now be used for carrier testing, making it easier than ever to get screened. Screening no longer requires a blood test.

1. Because, it’s fun.  So, why not? Spitting for your test can bring couples closer as they share this information…and who knows what this will lead to later?!

The JScreen “spit kit” is easily ordered online, used at home, and then mailed in for DNA testing. If a person or couple’s risk is elevated, a certified genetic counselor will privately address their results by phone, providing options and resources as needed. Cutting-edge technology enables geneticists to look closely at people’s genetic makeup to identify their risk for more than 200 different diseases.

“Let’s be real:  talking about genetic testing and potential diseases is not romantic,” said Hillary Kener, JScreen’s Director of National Outreach. “But it’s important for couples to have this important information as they plan for their future, happy, healthy family. We hope that this list will encourage couples to spit together, to get tested, and to understand all of their options as they start their family.”