Gender (Sex) Selection Information

Gender selection, also known as sex selection, is the practice of choosing the gender (male or female) of a child before conception. Gender selection may be appropriate for couples who wish to avoid passing on genetic disorders that are linked to a particular sex (medical gender selection), as well as those who want to have a child of the gender opposite that of an existing child (elective gender selection). Below you will find information about prenatal gender selection, including an explanation of the primary gender selection methods available at this time.

Elective vs. Medical Gender Selection

When it comes to gender selection, there are two basic reasons behind the decision to choose a child of a particular sex. When a couple is trying to conceive and wishes to use sex selection to avoid certain genetic or chromosomal disorders in their baby, the process is called medical gender selection. Infantile Tay-Sachs disease is one example of a fatal genetic disorder which can be unknowingly passed on through both parents, but can possibly be prevented by prenatal gender selection.

Elective gender selection means that the couple is not choosing the sex of their baby based upon any medical concerns, but simply the desire to have a child of a specific gender. Elective sex selection is pursued for many reasons, including what is referred to as "family balancing"—when a couple has several children of one gender, they may desire to have at least one child of the opposite sex.

Regardless of whether a couple is seeking elective or medical gender selection, the methods of sex selection are essentially the same. Learn more about gender selection methods below.

Gender Selection Methods

There are two primary gender selection methods available to couples seeking to choose the sex of their child. The first method is sperm gender selection, often referred to as MicroSort® gender selection. The second popular method is embryonic gender selection, which is commonly known as pre-conception gender selection, or PGD gender selection of embryos.

Sperm Gender Selection

Sperm gender selection refers to the process of sorting through the seminal fluid and separating the X-chromosome-carrying sperm from the Y-chromosome-carrying sperm. This procedure is applicable for elective and medical gender selection.

MicroSort® gender selection uses a specialized laser to emit a DNA-specific probe that helps identify the X and Y cells in the seminal fluid. Once the sex is chosen by the parents, the sperm sample is "enriched." This means that if the couple wants a female baby, the Y-carrying sperm cells are removed; if the couple wants a male baby, then the X-carrying sperm are removed. In this way, the percentage of desired gender-determining genetic material is increased in the seminal fluid.

To complete the MicroSort® gender selection process, the enriched seminal fluid is then used in conjunction with intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Embryonic Gender Selection

Besides MicroSort® gender selection, there is one other primary form of sex selection available: embryonic gender selection. Gender selection of embryos is a controversial new form of pre-conception gender selection that can be used for both family balancing and medical gender selection purposes.

The pre-conception gender selection process involves in vitro fertilization of several eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized and form embryos, a single cell is removed from each for PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) genetic testing. After the gender of each embryo is determined, and unhealthy embryos are identified, the embryo of the chosen sex are then transferred and implanted in the mother.

The success rate for gender selection of embryos is extremely high—nearly 100 percent. There are many gender selection specialists who refuse to perform pre-conception gender selection for couples seeking elective sex selection. However, there are a handful of fertility centers that will treat couples seeking both elective and medical gender selection.

DocShop – Helping You Locate Fertility Specialists

DocShop can help you locate a gender selection specialist in your region. Whether you are interested in elective sex selection or medical gender selection, or are just seeking additional gender selection information, our nationwide directory of highly talented and experienced infertility specialists can help you find the doctor of your choice. We’ll help you find a physician today, so you can begin your family tomorrow.