Gender Selection
How is the Gender of
a Baby Determined ?
Gender selection is possible because of how sex is determine by our
chromosomes. Our bodies are made up of billions of cells.
All cells contain 46 rod-like forms arranged in pairs called chromosomes,
except for the special reproductive cells, the sperm and egg cells,
called gametes, each of which only possess 23 chromosomes.
During fertilization, the gametes combine and restore the normal
chromosome number (46) in the embryo. One of these pairs of
chromosomes define the sex of the developing baby. This pair is
called the sex chromosome. Each sex chromosome is made up of an
"X and Y" chromosome, which define a male, or an "X and
X" chromosome, which define a female. Eggs can only contain
X chromosomes, but sperm contain either an X or a Y chromosome.
Proven Techniques of Gender Selection
Gender Selection Using the Ericcson
Method
If you want a boy, you select sperm containing the Y chromosome, so
that during fertilization, the sperm's Y chromosome will pair up
with egg's X chromosome. If you want a girl, you select sperm
containing the X chromosome, so that during fertilization, the sperm's
X chromosome will pair up with the egg's X chromosome.
Gender Selection using the Ericcson method,
has a proven record of success. Dr. Silverman has been practicing
the Ericcson Method for for 18 years.
IVF
/ PGD Gender Selection Technique
After ovarian stimulation, eggs
are removed from the mother. These eggs are fertilized in the
laboratory using the father's sperm. After cell division, the
embryos are checked for their sex. Only the embryos of the chosen
gender are transferred back to the mother.
Dr. Silverman has been practicing in vitro fertilization over 20 years, and
is now offering IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Since only embryos of the desired sex are transferred to the mother,
gender selection success rates
for IVF/PGD are high.
Unreliable Gender Selection Techniques
The Shettles Method:
The gender selection technique, the Shettles method theorizes that
sperm containing the X (female) chromosome are stronger than
sperm containing the Y (male) chromosome, and therefore they survive
longer. Therefore, intercourse two to four days prior to ovulation
means that the female sperm are more likely to survive and cause fertilization.
Intercourse close to ovulation should increase the chances of having
a male since the concentration of Y sperm should be higher at the
female's most fertile time.
Gender Selection Using The Whelan Method:
Gender selection using the Whelan method is another "intercourse
timing scheme" that suggests the opposite of the Shettles method.
This method suggests intercourse four to six days prior to ovulation
to increase the chance of having a boy.
Experimental
Technique
Gender Selection Using Microsort:
Gender
selection using the Microsort procedure sorts sperm in
vitro, and then inseminates a higher percentage of sperm
of the desired gender into the uterus. Microsort sorts sperm
using a laser light. Microsort is operating under FDA guidelines,
and is therefore considered an experimental technique.
Which Gender Selection Option Is Right for Your Family?
The first step in your search for help with gender selection is to decide
how important your next baby's sex is to you and your family.
The Ericsson Method of gender
selection increases your odds of having a child of your chosen
gender. If you feel that you could not accept a child that
may not be the sex that you wanted, then this technique is not for
you.
You should consider the IVF/PGD gender
selection technique since gender selection success rates with
this procedure are much higher. If you are at risk
for a sex linked genetic disease, the IVF/PGD technique is more
effective in preventing the transmission of this disease will
to your next child.
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