In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is one of the most reliable fertility treatments. VF is a multi-step procedure that assists with many of the stages of conception to significantly increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy.
During treatment, we stimulate the ovaries so that mature eggs can be retrieved and then fertilized in a laboratory setting. After successful fertilization, healthy embryos are transferred to the uterus.
At Arizona Associates for Reproductive Health, with offices in Scottsdale, AZ, and Gilbert, AZ, patients are happy to have any viable embryo transferred, but some are interested in choosing the gender of their child.
IVF allows for gender selection and gives potential parents the opportunity to balance out their families as they see fit.
It is not uncommon for our patients to ask about the possibility of gender selection. Some feel strongly about the gender they would like their only child to be, while others are already parents and are interested in balancing out their family by having a child of the opposite gender. No matter the reason for gender selection, the outcome can be achieved by examining the chromosomes of an embryo.
Females have two X chromosomes, so a mother will always pass an X chromosome onto her child. Males have both an X and Y chromosome, so gender depends on whether sperm delivers an X or Y chromosome. If we examine an embryo’s chromosomes prior to embryo transfer, which is possible through IVF and genetic screening, parents have the opportunity to select the gender of their child.
IVG gender selection can be achieved with treatment because the genetic makeup of embryos is examined prior to embryo transfer. Our doctors can perform a preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD, to evaluate the health of an embryo. PGD detects potential genetic concerns and is also able to determine the sex of the embryo.
PGD is performed by removing a small number of cells from the embryo. The cells are then analyzed using advanced genetic technology. PGD allows us to evaluate the health of the embryo and determine its sex, without harming or altering the embryo in any way.
During typical IVF treatment, the most viable embryos are selected for transfer, regardless of sex. When our patients are interested in IVF gender selection, we will select one or two of the healthiest embryos of the desired sex for embryo transfer.
When a patient undergoes IVF treatment, there may be extra embryos remaining. Patients can choose to freeze these embryos and save them for a future IVF cycle. For those who have opted for gender selection, embryos of the opposite gender can be saved for future use, if patients would like the option of balancing out their families.
If you are considering IVF treatment and would like to learn more about gender selection, the team at Arizona Associates for Reproductive Health in Scottsdale and Gilbert would be happy to answer any questions you have. Send us a message at your earliest convenience or call (480) 860-4792 to start your fertility journey.
