Consanguineous Marriages

Consanguineous Marriages in Antalya

Consanguineous marriages are quite common in Antalya, just as they are across the country. Consanguineous marriages carry a significant risk in terms of genetic diseases. Compared to unrelated couples, first-degree or second-degree relatives are more likely to carry disease genes and, as a result, more likely to pass them on to their child.

Diseases Seen in Consanguineous Marriages

• Thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Sickle Cell Anemia

Causes of Consanguineous Marriages

• Tradition and customs
• Geographic isolation
• Low levels of education

Consequences of Consanguineous Marriages

• Genetic diseases
• Infant deaths
• Birth defects
• Developmental delay

What Can Be Done to Prevent Consanguineous Marriages?

• Raising public awareness about consanguineous marriages and genetic diseases
• Making carrier screening tests more widespread
• Encouraging couples to consult specialist physicians for prenatal diagnosis before birth
• Couples diagnosed with a genetic disease or found to be carriers are advised to pursue IVF treatment. During IVF, the resulting embryo undergoes a genetic screening test called PGT, ensuring the embryo is genetically healthy.

The Frequency of Consanguineous Marriages in Antalya

While the overall prevalence of Beta Thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia) in Turkey is 2.1%, this rate rises to as much as 13% in Antalya.

What Is Being Done to Prevent Consanguineous Marriages in Antalya?

The Antalya Provincial Health Directorate is carrying out a "Project for the Prevention of Consanguineous Marriages." Within the scope of this project, the public is being made aware of the risks of consanguineous marriages and how to prevent them. In addition, efforts are being made to make carrier screening tests more widespread. The first step toward reducing single-gene diseases caused by recessive inheritance, which are frequently seen in consanguineous marriages, is through population-wide screening. In particular, individuals living in high-risk regions need to undergo carrier testing and, based on the results, consult IVF physicians who specialize in prenatal diagnosis before birth in order to receive genetic counseling. Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı serves in Antalya as a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, and IVF. Dr. Büyükkınacı continues her work to raise public awareness about the prevention of consanguineous marriages and to help make carrier screening tests more widespread.