Can You Select the Gender During IVF?

IVF gender selection is a common question for families planning their fertility journey.

At Pacific Reproductive Center, we offer advanced reproductive technologies that make it possible to choose your baby’s gender with IVF.

Whether you’re interested in family balancing or hoping to prevent a sex-linked genetic condition, gender selection with IVF may be a meaningful part of your treatment plan.

To learn more about choosing your baby’s sex through IVF, how it works, and whether it’s right for you, continue reading or contact us today to speak with one of our fertility specialists.

What is Gender Selection?

Gender selection, also referred to as sex selection during in vitro fertilization (IVF), is the process of identifying and choosing embryos based on biological sex before implantation. This is achieved through advanced genetic screening techniques during an IVF cycle.

Gender selection is often used by individuals and couples who have personal, cultural, or medical reasons for selecting a male or female embryo before pregnancy.

Is it Legal and Ethical to Choose Gender With IVF?

In the United States, including California, gender selection through IVF is legal.

Ethically, it’s most commonly used for medical purposes, such as avoiding inherited genetic disorders, or for family balancing when parents wish to have a child of a different gender than their previous children.

At PRC, our specialists ensure clients are informed of the medical, emotional, and ethical considerations involved in choosing a baby’s gender with IVF.

How Gender Selection Works in IVF

The ability to choose a baby’s gender through IVF is made possible by analyzing embryos in the lab before implantation.

The Role of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a key method for identifying the genetic makeup of embryos, including their sex chromosomes (XX for females, XY for males).

This test screens for chromosomal health and reveals the biological sex of each embryo, allowing your fertility specialist to select embryos based on your preferences and health goals.

Understanding the Gender Selection Process During IVF

The gender selection process in IVF begins with ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.

Once eggs are fertilized, the resulting embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage. At this point, a few cells are carefully biopsied and sent for PGT.

Based on the results, embryos of the desired gender can be selected for transfer.

Accuracy and IVF Gender Selection Success Rate

The accuracy of choosing a baby’s gender with IVF is extremely high, typically over 99% when using PGT.

The IVF gender selection success rate depends on multiple factors, including maternal age and embryo quality, but sex identification itself is nearly definitive.

Common Reasons People Consider Gender Selection

There are several reasons individuals or couples might pursue gender selection with IVF, including:

• Family Balancing: Parents may want to add a child of a different gender than their current children.
• Prevention of Sex-Linked Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions, like hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are more likely to affect one sex. Choosing an embryo of the opposite sex can help reduce the transmission risk.
• Personal or Cultural Preferences: In some cases, parents may have deeply personal reasons for choosing their baby’s sex.

If you’re hoping to select the gender during IVF, our compassionate team respects and supports your goals while providing expert guidance through the process.

IVF Techniques for Gender Selection

Several gender selection techniques in IVF are available, primarily involving genetic testing at the embryo stage.

The process begins with fertility medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, increasing the chances of creating healthy embryos for testing and transfer.

Once eggs are retrieved and fertilized, embryos are screened to determine sex and overall chromosomal health.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

PGD is used to identify specific inherited disorders and also to reveal the embryo’s sex. This test is often recommended when there is a family history of sex-linked conditions.

By examining the chromosomes of each embryo, PGD provides accurate identification of sex chromosomes, allowing specialists to select male or female embryos accordingly.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

PGS, now often called PGT-A (for aneuploidy), checks for chromosomal abnormalities and includes the identification of the embryo’s sex.

Like PGD, PGS tests the embryo’s DNA for XX or XY chromosomes, making it possible to choose gender with IVF while also improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Pros and Cons of IVF Gender Selection

Gender selection in IVF offers many benefits, but it’s important to understand both the advantages and limitations.

Pros:

• High accuracy in choosing the baby’s sex.
• Helps prevent sex-linked diseases.
• Supports family balancing.
• May improve embryo selection for a healthy pregnancy.

Cons:

• Not all embryos may be suitable for transfer.
• Additional cost and testing required.
• Ethical and emotional considerations may arise.
• It may not be medically necessary for all individuals.

Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your medical history and family goals.

Is Gender Selection Right for You?

Is gender selection possible with IVF? Yes, but whether it’s right for your treatment plan depends on your personal preferences, health needs, and long-term goals.

If you’re curious about how to choose your baby’s gender with IVF, a consultation at Pacific Reproductive Center can provide clarity and support. We’ll guide you through every option so you can make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

Choosing Gender With IVF at Pacific Reproductive Center

At Pacific Reproductive Center, we’re proud to offer advanced techniques for IVF and gender selection in a supportive, ethical, and personalized setting.

With advanced labs, experienced specialists, and a compassionate care team, we make the gender selection process during IVF both accessible and safe.

Our centers across Southern California offer:

• IVF for gender selection with PGT and PGD.
• Expertise in preventing sex-linked conditions.
• Thoughtful guidance on family balancing options.
• Culturally sensitive support throughout your IVF journey.

Still have questions? Explore our frequently asked questions now.

To get started, schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward building the family you’ve dreamed of.