Although there is no way to prevent muscular dystrophy, couples who are
planning to start a family may consult a genetic counselor. These counselors
are generally visited by couples who have a family history of genetic disorders
such as cystic fibrosis and certain types of cancers. Through a series of
tests, counselors are able to determine whether future parents are carriers of
a defected gene, and the likelihood that this defected gene may cause physical
deformities or diseases in their children. In the case of muscular dystrophy,
tests are only able to determine whether a parent is a carrier for duchenne and
becker dystrophy. Of course, being a carrier of the defected gene does not
guarantee that a child will inherit muscular dystrophy. The probability of
passing the gene is between 25% - 50%.