Gender selection - the process of predetermining your baby's sex - is a controversial topic in the medical field. For millennia, personal and societal pressures have led people to try selectively to conceive boys or girls. For this reason there are various superstitions and rumors about the subject. Nowadays, medical technology allows parents to choose the sex of their children, although the most effective methods are still highly expensive and require a very significant investment of time. However, there are other less verified methods of choosing the sex of the baby - although almost all doctors and fertility specialists believe they are ineffective, some research seems to have established that it is possible to increase the chances of conceiving one rather than the other. Some of them will be detailed in this article, read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using the Shettles Method
Step 1. Determine the time of ovulation
This method brings together a set of techniques that are supposed to be useful for increasing the chances of conceiving a baby of the desired sex. According to the Shettles method, having sex around the time of ovulation increases the chances of having a boy. Use these tips to determine when to ovulate:
- Draw a graph of your cervical mucus. Observe it every day. Just before ovulation, it should be elastic and watery, similar in texture to egg white. Shettles recommends keeping a record of cervical mucus for at least one month before conception.
- Measure your basal body temperature (TB) every morning before you get out of bed. Right before ovulation, you may notice a drastic rise in temperature. Since you need to have sex as close to ovulation as possible to increase your chances of having a boy, it is advisable to record your TB for at least 2 months before conception so that you have an idea of when it might be the best time.
- Use a kit to predict ovulation. An ovulation kit, available in all pharmacies and even online, records when your body releases luteinizing hormone (LH) before ovulation. To record the LH surge as soon as possible, Shettles recommends taking the test twice a day, preferably between 11 and 15 for the first test, and between 17 and 22 for the second.
Step 2. Get the father to maximize the sperm quantity
The Shettles Method recommends that the father go out of his way to make sure that his sperm count is as high as possible in order to be more likely to become pregnant right away. Most importantly, she should abstain from orgasm for 2 - 5 days before ovulation. In any case, it is good to know that there are other factors that affect the count. Here are some tips to follow in order to maintain optimal healthy sperm production:
- Keep your testicles cool; sperm production is highest when they have a slightly lower temperature than their body.
- Do not smoke or drink. Men who drink and smoke heavily have a higher risk of having a lower sperm count. If you can't stop, see your doctor.
- Don't take illegal drugs. Marijuana appears to have the same effects on sperm quantity as cigarettes. Cocaine and other hard drugs, on the other hand, even hinder their production.
Step 3. Avoid drugs that interfere with male fertility
Chemotherapy, for example, can make you sterile permanently. If you are taking any major medications and want to become a father, talk to your doctor. He may recommend that you have semen taken to make sure you still have a chance to conceive in the future.
Step 4. Have sex as close to ovulation as possible, especially 24 hours before to 12 hours after
During this period, according to the Shettles Method, it is more likely to conceive a boy.
The Shettles Method is based on the concept that the sperm to conceive a male, which is small and fast, but fragile, can reach the egg faster than that for the female, which is larger and slower, but more resistant. According to Shettles, the reason children are normally conceived in a 50 to 50 ratio is that the weak "male" sperm dies in the uterine canal. By having sex close to ovulation, you ensure that the sperm can reach the egg almost immediately, rather than having to wait, which, in theory, seems to allow as many "male" sperms to remain alive as possible
Step 5. When attempting to conceive a boy, Shettles recommends positions that allow for deeper penetration, such as from behind
The rationale for this concept is that ejaculation in this position allows the sperm to be closer to the cervix, thus benefiting the faster (male) sperm. Otherwise, that is, with a more superficial penetration, the sperm would be deposited farther from the cervix, thus benefiting the more resistant (female) spermatozoa.
Step 6. Make an effort to have your partner orgasm during sex
According to the Shettles method, "male" sperm, which are weaker than "female" ones, tend to die faster in the acidic environment inside the vagina. Following this logic, the fact that the woman reaches orgasm can improve the chances of "male" spermatozoa. In fact, during orgasm, additional cervical fluid is released, which decreases the acidity of the vaginal environment. This condition favors the resistance of the "male" sperm, consequently increasing the likelihood that they will resist until they reach the egg. Ideally, the maternal orgasm should come immediately before the father ejaculates.
- Shettles also states that orgasm contractions help push sperm into the cervix more quickly.
- If the woman is unable to orgasm, don't be discouraged - it's not essential.
Step 7. Avoid trying to conceive before or after ovulation
The Shettles Method claims to only work for the single coitus in which you use it. Any other sexual intercourse can interfere, risking that the child is conceived outside the ideal conditions of the method, in which the probability of conceiving a boy is 50%. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that the father avoids unprotected sex with the mother in the days before or after ovulation.
- According to many research findings, the sperm remains alive in the vagina for three to five days. It means that parents should stop having unprotected sex in the five days leading up to ovulation. It is also wise to avoid the following five, for the same reason.
- If sex just can't be avoided, use a condom to avoid accidentally conceiving a baby outside of that predetermined window.
Step 8. Understand the controversies surrounding the Shettles Method
Although some research has shown that it is moderately effective, it is important to understand that this method is a subject of controversy in the medical community. Several studies suggest that scientific data partially or totally contradict those of the above method. Other research has shown that trying to select the sex of the unborn child through "conditional" conception can reduce the chances of having a child, boy or girl. In a nutshell, it is fair to say that if you try to conceive a boy with the Shettles Method, the results are by no means guaranteed.
He notes that even research that actually suggests that the Shettles method can affect selective conception, rates its effectiveness at a significantly lower level than claimed - in the order of 60%, rather than 80%
Part 2 of 3: Using the Ericsson Albumin Method
Step 1. Find a licensed clinic near you
The Ericsson Albumin Method is a technique used to separate "male" from "female" sperm. Proponents claim a success rate of approximately 75%, while many doctors and researchers question its effectiveness. Be that as it may, the method has a certain attractiveness towards possible parents due to its relative cheapness (about 600 - 1200 dollars per attempt) compared to other techniques. If you wish to use this method, the first step is to contact a clinic that is licensed to perform it.
A list of clinics that can apply the Ericsson method is on the website of Gametrics Ltd., a company founded by the developer, Dr. Ronald Ericsson. In the US there are six and five other countries are present such as Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Colombia and Egypt
Step 2. Make an appointment on the day of the mother's ovulation
The method requires a sperm sample from the father; this sample will be processed and then used to artificially inseminate the mother, all during the single appointment. To ensure the best chance of a successful pregnancy, you have to do the whole day of the maternal ovulation. This information is requested when the appointment is made.
It takes about four hours to complete everything, so both parents will have to keep the day off
Step 3. The father provides a sperm sample when he arrives at the clinic with the mother, who is on the day of ovulation
Usually, the quality of the sperm is better if the man goes for 2 to 5 days without ejaculating. Your doctor will likely request that you abstain from sexual activity for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Step 4. The sperm is placed into a tube of a particular protein, albumin, through which it can swim
Ericsson's method assumes that "male" sperm - smaller, weaker and faster than "female" sperm - can pass through albumin faster. This means that, after waiting for the sperm to move from the top of the tube to the bottom, the one on the bottom will be predominantly "male" (in theory), while the one closest to the surface will be predominantly "female".
However, the effectiveness of this process has often been questioned. Some studies have found that albumin produces no obvious separation between male and female sperm. Other studies instead (whose results have been equally questioned), guarantee a success rate of 75%
Step 5. To have a baby boy, the clinic staff will take a semen sample from the bottom of the albumin tube and artificially inseminate the mother who is supposed to conceive at this point
As with normal intercourse, pregnancy is not guaranteed by a single exposure to sperm.
There are several methods of artificial insemination, but the most common is intrauterine insemination (Intra Uterine Insemination, IUI). With this method, sperm is injected directly into the uterus via a catheter
Step 6. Repeat the process if necessary
It can be as difficult for a woman to conceive with artificial insemination as with ordinary sex. Although the chances of a natural pregnancy may vary with a woman's age and health, in general, the success rate of intrauterine insemination is 5 - 20% per cycle. As a result, it may take several attempts to get pregnant.
- Note that taking certain fertility drugs can increase the chance of pregnancy.
- While this method is generally cheaper than other procedures, the fact that success is not guaranteed implies the need for more attempts and therefore the total cost could become significantly higher. Keep this in mind before thinking about this type of treatment.
Step 7. Maintain realistic expectations before relying on the Ericsson method to increase the chances of conceiving a boy, so as to avoid serious disappointment
As mentioned, multiple attempts may be required to induce pregnancy. Furthermore, the actual effectiveness of this technique is a matter of debate - many researchers question whether this method is capable of producing a result reliably. In conclusion, even if you take this method with the most positive attitude possible, it's worth noting that even its supporters recognize that it doesn't always work. There is generally talk of a 75% success rate.
It also appears that some clinics offering the Ericsson method have misleading its effectiveness, although this is not necessarily the case for all others
Part 3 of 3: Using the PGD In-Vitro Fertilization Technique
Step 1. Find a hospital or clinic that performs Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
PGD is the medical technique by which the genetic information of the embryo is analyzed before implantation in the uterus. It is usually used to highlight genetic diseases in the development of the embryo. It can obviously be used to determine the sex of the baby. If you are interested in such a procedure, you can contact a clinic that performs this type of procedure.
- The Center for Disease Control (CDC) publishes clinical data from fertility clinics in the United States annually. This information can be downloaded for free from the CDC website.
- PGD coupled with IVF is just one of several techniques for choosing a baby's sex with absolute certainty. However, it is among the most expensive and complex. Mothers who undergo it have to undergo numerous screenings, take many fertility drugs, receive hormone injections and donate eggs with a small surgical procedure. From start to finish, the whole process can take several months and a lot of money.
Step 2. You have to undergo fertility treatments
If the clinic agrees to perform this procedure, the mother will likely need to prepare to donate eggs several weeks to a month in advance. Generally, women undergoing PGD and IVF are given fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to release more mature eggs. The more there are, the higher the chances of pregnancy.
- Usually, fertility drugs are taken for about two weeks via pill or injection. However, if the mother does not respond well to more common medications, other alternatives may be used for short periods of time.
- Side effects caused by the most common fertility drugs are usually mild and include hot flashes, nausea, swelling, headaches, and blurred vision.
Step 3. In addition to taking fertility drugs, women planning to donate eggs usually also receive a series of daily hormone injections
These injections further stimulate the ovaries to release more mature eggs. These are the hormone that stimulates gonadotropins and the luteinizing hormone (LH). Some women suffer from severe side effects, so they are generally monitored closely to ensure the process goes smoothly.
You may also be required to take progesterone, a hormone that thickens the uterine lining to prepare it for IVF
Step 4. Egg donation
When the mother's body is stimulated to release more eggs, it undergoes regular ultrasound scans, which are used to determine when the eggs are ready to be donated. When they are fully mature, the mother undergoes a simple, minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove them. The doctor uses a very fine needle connected to an electronic probe to collect the eggs from the ovaries. Most women are able to resume normal activities within a day or so of this procedure.
Even if the mother is put under sedation, this procedure can still be a little painful. Pain relievers are usually prescribed to help with post-operative pain
Step 5. Fertilization
If the father does not already have a stored semen sample ready to use, he must provide it now. The father's sperm is processed to isolate the healthiest and highest quality sperm and is combined with the eggs. Within about a day, these are checked to see if they have been fertilized or not. Any fertilized eggs can be left to mature for several days.
As with all sperm donations, in this case, the father would be better off refraining from ejaculating for about 48 hours before the collection
Step 6. Embryo biopsy
After the embryos have been cultured for several days, a doctor will remove cells from each for testing and analysis. At this point in the life of the embryo, it will not harm the final development of the baby. DNA is removed from each cell sample and copied through a process called "polymerase chain reaction" (PCR). This DNA is then analyzed to determine the genetic profile of the embryo, including the sex of the baby.
Step 7. Make a decision based on the test results
Once the cells from each embryo have been analyzed, the parents will be notified which embryos are male and which female, as well as all other important information (e.g. the presence of genetic diseases). At this point, it is up to them to decide which ones to use to attempt the pregnancy. If they hope to have a boy, the male embryos will obviously be used, while the female ones can be stored so that the girls can be conceived later or discarded.
PGD is truly accurate; with conservative estimates, we arrive at 95-99%. Subsequent tests can be used to confirm the results, reaching nearly 100% accuracy
Step 8. Undergo in vitro fertilization
Once the embryos with which to attempt pregnancy have been chosen, they will be transferred to the mother's uterus through a thin tube, passing through the cervix. Usually, only one or two embryos are implanted each time. Hopefully, one or more embryos will stick to the uterine wall and the pregnancy will continue normally. Generally, the mother will not have to stay in the hospital after embryo transfer, as resting more than 20 minutes after implantation does not provide any benefit. After two weeks, the mother will be able to undergo a pregnancy test to check if the procedure was successful.
Don't be discouraged if an attempt fails. Generally, most women have a success rate of around 20 - 25% per cycle. Success rates of 40% or more are considered quite rare. Even for perfectly healthy couples it is often necessary to undergo multiple cycles of PGD and IVF to achieve the desired pregnancy
Step 9. Find out about the costs of PGD and IVF
Together, they offer an effective and scientifically verified path to conceiving a child of the desired sex. However, it is important to weigh your desire for a male against the costs of undergoing various cycles of PGD and IVF. These procedures can be expensive, potentially take months, and cost thousands of dollars per cycle. In addition, the side effects of the drugs involved can cause stress and discomfort for the mother. It is important to consider all of these obstacles when deciding to undergo PGD and IVF. Only rely on these techniques if you really care about the idea of having a baby boy and if you have the adequate financial means.
Advice
- To increase the chances of having a boy, encourage your partner to wear boxers instead of underwear. Underwear that is too tight raises the temperature around the testicles and could lower the sperm count.
- There are in vitro conception services that perform genetic selection. The procedure is extremely expensive, but the result is often not guaranteed. Some doctors refuse to test the sex of the embryo before implanting it, as a matter of moral ethics.
