Modern advancements in reproductive technology have made it possible for intended parents to gain more control over family planning, including the option of gender selection. Through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic testing, fertility specialists can determine the sex of an embryo before implantation. This process, often referred to informally as “Doctor Sexing,” is more accurately described as gender selection facilitated by medical expertise during IVF.
Reproductive science has progressed significantly, allowing laboratory tests to identify the chromosomal makeup of embryos at a very early stage. When combined with IVF, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS/PGT-A) provide individuals and couples the option to select the gender of their child.
Are you interested in learning more about how IVF plays a crucial role in gender selection? This article will explore the complete gender selection process, explain how it works, and discuss its accuracy and success rates.
Reasons for Choosing Gender Selection with IVF
Individuals and couples consider gender selection for a variety of personal reasons. A common motivation is family balancing. For instance, parents who have only sons might choose gender selection to increase their chances of having a daughter, thus achieving a more balanced family structure.
Another significant reason is to avoid passing on sex-linked genetic disorders. Certain genetic diseases are linked to specific chromosomes, meaning they are more likely to affect one gender. In these cases, gender selection offers intended parents the opportunity to have a child of the desired gender to minimize the risk of inheriting a particular condition.
Other personal reasons may include parents who have experienced the loss of a child and wish to have another child of the same sex, or individuals who simply feel more prepared to parent one gender over the other due to personal or psychological factors.
Gender selection is a remarkable application of reproductive technology that can empower intended parents to feel more prepared and confident in raising their future children. However, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. It involves additional costs and the emotional aspect of making a choice about gender before natural conception.
How Doctors Determine Gender: The PGD and PGS/PGT-A Process
After eggs and sperm are combined in the lab and fertilization occurs, embryos begin to develop. Fertility doctors can then examine these embryos to determine their genetic health and sex.
This examination is performed using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or preimplantation genetic screening (PGS/PGT-A). By conducting PGD/PGS/PGT-A testing, fertility doctors can identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities that could lead to birth defects or developmental issues.
In addition to screening for genetic conditions, PGD/PGS/PGT-A tests can also accurately determine the sex of the embryo. Fertility doctors can identify whether an embryo has two X chromosomes (female) or an X and a Y chromosome (male). This chromosomal analysis provides nearly 100% accurate gender identification before embryo transfer.
High Success Rates of Gender Selection with PGS/PGT-A/PGD
Intended parents can reliably determine the sex of their child through PGD/PGS/PGT-A during the IVF process. Due to the accuracy of PGD tests in identifying XX or XY chromosomes, gender selection is highly successful, approaching 100% accuracy in determining the chosen gender of the transferred embryo.
However, it’s important to note that the ability to produce healthy embryos of the desired gender can be influenced by factors such as the intended mother’s age, egg supply, and sperm quality. In situations where these factors limit the availability of embryos of the preferred gender, using donor eggs or sperm can be considered for intended parents who are committed to gender selection.
Whether the motivation for gender selection is medical necessity or personal preference, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or preimplantation genetic screening (PGS/PGT-A) offer extremely high success rates. While techniques like sperm spinning (separating sperm based on X and Y chromosomes) exist, combining IVF with genetic testing remains the most dependable method to ensure accurate gender selection.
Options for Embryos of Undesired Gender
If, after genetic testing, there are viable embryos of a gender not preferred by the intended parents, several options are available. These embryos are still potentially healthy and can be considered for other purposes if the parents choose not to discard them.
One option is embryo donation to an infertile couple or individual who is unable to produce their own embryos. This allows the embryos to be used to help others achieve pregnancy.
Alternatively, embryos can be donated to medical research. This contribution can advance scientific understanding of fertility, embryonic development, and reproductive medicine. Another option is to cryopreserve (freeze) the embryos for potential use in the future, giving intended parents the flexibility to use them later if their family planning goals change. Remarkably, successful births have occurred from embryos frozen for extended periods, demonstrating the viability of long-term embryo storage.
Discuss Gender Selection with Your IVF Clinic
Navigating the considerations around gender selection and IVF requires careful thought and informed decision-making. Fertility experts are available to guide intended parents through every step of the process with compassionate and comprehensive support. A consultation can help review the advantages and disadvantages of gender selection in the context of individual circumstances and family goals.
If you are interested in learning more about gender selection during IVF and exploring whether it is a suitable option for you, we encourage you to contact our team of fertility doctors. You can also reach Pacific Fertility Center by calling (310) 853-1440 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options in detail.
