I am wondering if there is anyway to manipulate the baby's gender in the lab - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

abcdef81 · 12-27-2006, 07:02 PM

I having been wondering about this for a long time now. Well, as everyone knows, the sex of the baby is determined by the male. If the sperm carries a "Y" chromosome, the zygote will be a male, and if the sperm carries an "X" chromosome, the zygote will be a female. I am wondering if there is anyway to manipulate the outcome of the baby in a lab or something? For example, if a couple wanted to have a girl, can the doctors do anything that will make the sperm carry the "X" chromosome or somehow isolate the "X" chromosome, so that the zygote will be a female?

Sherri-Lynne · 12-27-2006, 07:19 PM

I read somewhere that they can do that now if you want to. But it is really expensive.

GoldenMom · 12-27-2006, 08:20 PM

Some fertility doctors (reproductive endocrinologists) will isolate the sperm carrying the chromosome of your choice and will perform a fertility procedure (IUI or IVF) to influence the gender. I could go off on a tyraid about how thoughtless and disgusting I think it is that someone would even consider this procedure, but I will refrain.

confrustrated · 12-27-2006, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenMom

I could go off on a tyraid about how thoughtless and disgusting I think it is that someone would even consider this procedure, but I will refrain.

I read this earlier and thought the same thing. I'm glad you said it for me!

browneyed-babe · 12-28-2006, 07:35 AM

It isn't unusual if a couple already has a few of the same sex that they would want a baby of the opposite. To go as far as manipulating it in the lab is a taking it a little far but to each her own - yes, it can be done but statistically it is more successful with isolating the male sperm.

You could try achieving the sex of the baby you want by natural methods - they say if you want a girl to do lots of bd up to 2 days before ovulation and then stop as female sperm are stronger and last longer. If you want a boy do lots of bd up to and including the day of and day after ovulation as male sperm are faster.

Really, the baby's sex is a matter of chance as long as the baby is healthy that is all that really matters. But I don't fault anyone who really wants a certain sex as long as they aren't upset when they don't get what they want and are not biased against one sex.