Gender selection or sex selection, the process of attempting to control of the sex of a baby, enables parents to prevent sex-linked genetic disorders or sex-limited diseases. Also marketed as family balancing, gender selection gives parents the possibility of selecting the sex of their baby.

What Methods are Available?

There are various gender selection methods available, but only a few that have high success rates. According to the Center for Human Reproduction, a world leader in fertility and gender selection, there are only two effective methods: the sperm sorting technique called MicroSort®, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).

Gender selection with IVF and PGD is performed with embryos created from the couple’s sperm and egg that are then analyzed for their chromosomal make-up. Embryos with the desired gender are transferred to the uterus. This method is almost 100% effective.

MicroSort gender selection is a newer technique that separates X and Y bearing sperm before conception. It is both safe and effective, but is still awaiting FDA approval.

Other treatment types available, but not recommended due to their low success rates include Ericsson Method, Whelan Method, Shettles Method, and Sex Selection Kits.

Gender Selection for Medical Reasons

Advances in assisted reproductive technology and a better understanding of sex-linked genetic diseases have many parents thinking differently about family planning.  Sex-linked diseases are inherited by the mother but only affect male offspring. Muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, fragile X syndrome, and autism in males are all examples of sex-linked disease.

When parents use gender selection methods for medical reasons, it is called “medical gender selection”. Medical reasons can only be psychological, such as the case where a single female may feel more capable raising a daughter than a son.

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