Methods Of Gender Selection

There are various methods of gender selection for you to consider if you are hoping to conceive a child of a specific gender. Ranging from invasive methods, through to those which are less reliable, it can often seem like a minefield out there. Cost implications are also to be considered, and techniques offered by clinics can involve lengthy invasive procedures.Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis This is formed as part of in vitro fertilization. (IVF) Couples must therefore go through the normal process of IVF resulting in the formation of embryos in the laboratory. The genetic make up of the embryos is determined prior to implantation and those of the desired sex are implanted. MicrosortThis is a relatively new technique which involves separating sperm into “gender rich” pools by use of a laser to determine which are carrying the X or Y genetic material. This is not wholly accurate, but the method is thought to be around 88% successful for girls and 73% for boys.The “correct” sperm is then used for fertilization by simple intrauterine insemination or IVF.Shettles MethodMethods of gender selection often talk about the famous “Shettles Method”. This is based around the fact that X and Y sperm exhibit different characteristics and takes advantage of the fact that differing circumstances surrounding conception can be used to maximize the chance of having a girl or a boy. Using this method, the timing, position of intercourse and reproductive environment can all be used to influence the gender.Whelan MethodThis is a simple method which claims to influence gender by the timing of intercourse and the foods that are eaten prior to conception and is often thought to contradict the more popular Shettles method.Ericson MethodMany simple methods of gender selection give credence to the fact that male sperm are faster than their female counterparts and this is a legitimate factor. Dr Ericson developed a technique which aims to separate the faster male sperm from the slower female sperm by allowing them to swim through albumin, the theory being that sperm of the correct gender could be “collected” depending on their position in the solution at a given time in the process.Sex Selection KitsKits often include a thermometer, ovulation predictor kits, vitamins, herbs and douches. The kits often support the Shettles theory and by tracking ovulation and timing intercourse, you are meant to be able to determine the gender of your baby. Natural Gender Selection TechniquesAn example of this is the book written by Ashley Spencer called How Choose The Gender Of Your Baby. Ashley claims an almost 95% success rate and the testimonials on her website seem to support this. Using a 3 Step Plan based around scientific principles, this is one of the non invasive methods of gender selection and is very popular amongst couples who do not want to, or cannot, go through expensive medical procedures. It offers a more up to date option than many of the other methods.

For more information on the fully guaranteed, comprehensive risk-free method offered by Ashley Spencer, please visit Pick Your Baby’s Gender. Rather than being one of the many couples who leave matters to chance, take control and be proactive. You have various methods of gender selection available to consider and these are worth considering rather than being left with that “what if” feeling.

Gender Selection Methods: An Overview

In ancient Greece, men used to have sex lying on their right side in hopes of conceiving a son.In medieval France, men would tie off their left testicle in order to produce a baby boy only.Sounds strange and unusual? Maybe, but the desire to choose gender of their baby is still strong among today’s parents-to-be. They just don’t want to rely on the same primitive (an ineffective) methods.Today, there are cutting edge technologies available which can literally allow parents to choose the gender of their baby.Sadly, one of those methods is – selective abortion. Mother can find out the gender of her baby using amniocentesis, and then decide to have an abortion if the sex of the baby turns out not to be what she have hoped to be.This gender selection method is most prevalent in those countries where, historically and culturally, boys were preferred.Fortunately, there are other options for parents eager to choose gender of their baby. None of them free of ethical considerations, though!In mid 1970’s, geneticist Ronald Ericsson, PhD, developed the gender selection method that remains known as Ericsson method.This method sorts between male and female producing sperm and involves artificial insemination. Comparing to other gender selection methods, Ericsson method is not very expensive and invasive – however it possesses lower success rates.The cost is about 2 000 USD per circle. About three times out of ten, this gender selection method fails.Used since 1989, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) method of gender selection involves in vitro fertilization (IVF).Doctors analyze the cells from embryos to determine its sex and consequently, only the embryo of desired gender is returned to woman’s uterus.The cost is nearly 20 000 USD, but it is 100 % accurate.PGD carries high chances of multiples.The newest and most talked about gender selection method is a variation on Ericsson’s method and is best known as Microsort.The statistics show that 86 % of parents who used this methods to conceive, did so for sex selection.The cost is about 15 000 USD, and success rate is about 90 % for conceiving girls, but only 74 % for conceiving boys.Microsort method is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration.Let just add that, while in United States gender selection is currently allowed for both genetic and preferential reasons, many other countries opted to regulate the whole matter much more restrictively.