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The science underpinning infertility treatment has assisted millions of couples and individuals in starting families. In addition to making conception possible for intended parents, improvements in IVF technology enable us to look even more closely at the genetic well-being and viability of embryos produced through reproductive treatment.

What is sex selection?

By analyzing the IVF-created embryo(s) before one is deposited in the uterus, a couple or person can decide whether the child will be genetically a boy or a girl. IVF embryos are the only ones that allow for sex selection.

Rather than the outdated term "gender selection," "sex selection" is preferred. It is becoming more common knowledge that gender influences one's sexual orientation. In contrast, a child's sex is determined genetically by either a male or a female XX chromosome pairing that was inherited.

Problems addressed by sex selection

There can be various reasons for parents to opt for the sex selection of their child. Some of them can be as follows:

Elimination of Genetic Disease

As previously indicated, parents who fear passing on a sex-related genetic disorder may choose to transfer an embryo of a specific sex to shield their unborn child from this illness. However, parents should speak with a genetic counselor before moving forward with embryo testing to stop the transfer of hereditary illness. During this time, you can talk about how the condition is inherited, whether it is possible to screen the embryos for the problematic gene in more detail, and to what extent transplanting embryos from both sexes will lower the risk for the condition.

Family Balancing

When intending parents choose to transfer an embryo of a particular sex in order to balance the representation of both sexes in their family, this is referred to as family balancing. Some families with one or more children of one sex may feel strongly that they need to balance their family by adding a kid of a different sex.

For personal reasons

Patients may choose to have a boy or a girl for personal reasons. For instance, it is common for mothers to want daughters and fathers to prefer sons. But, in the end, the parents who use sex selection to create their families will see the validity of all justifications, even non-medical ones.

Here's How it works

The same procedures and treatments are used for both men and women who use IVF when choosing the sex of a baby for family balance. To produce embryos, a woman's eggs are removed and fertilized with sperm from her boyfriend or a donor. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which sperm is injected directly into the eggs, is occasionally used to achieve this.

Two chromosomes, one inherited from the mother and one from the father, determine the sex of each embryo. The inherited chromosomal type (either X or Y) determines the baby's sex. The chromosomal makeup of a fertilized egg (embryo) can be determined by testing its cells. Then, only the desired sex of the embryo is implanted in the uterus. 

Any healthy embryos still present but not used for transfer can be cryopreserved (frozen and kept for later use). They could be given to another couple for research purposes or destroyed.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing, a technique used in contemporary IVF, involves testing embryos before implantation (PGT). PGT is used to check embryos for particular genetic and chromosomal problems before transferring them into the uterus in the hopes of conceiving a child.

Embryos are cultured in the IVF lab for five days after they are generated. The embryologist now uses a laser to collect a small sample of cells from the embryo's future placenta so that they can be examined under a microscope if PGT is chosen. The existence of chromosomal aberrations and, in some situations, genetic diseases are subsequently examined in these cells.

The embryos that have the highest likelihood to implant successfully are selected as they result in a healthy pregnancy by gathering data on each embryo's genetic condition.

Why choose MMC IVF for expert consultation?

MMC IVF, one of the top IVF Clinics in Dubai for people seeking aid with their infertility concerns, is located in the thriving neighborhood of Wafi Mall. It is a name to be reckoned with, boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and experts in assisted reproduction technology running the show. Consult with our specialists to begin the process of creating a happy family. Book your appointment today!