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Common Reasons Families Use Gender Selection

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Gender selection, also known as family balancing, is a method of transferring embryos of one particular gender during in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is accomplished through preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). PGS is a technique commonly used to evaluate the health of various embryos to select the healthiest ones for transfer. Although there are still some misconceptions about gender selection, it’s becoming much more mainstream as more couples realize the potential of this innovative technology.

Medical Reasons

While it was once commonly believed that gender selection was purely for those who desired a child of a specific sex for personal reasons, it’s actually quite helpful for medical reasons. If you or your partner is genetically predisposed to giving your child a sex-linked genetic disease, PGS could be the solution for you. Some examples of these disorders include hemophilia, Fragile X syndrome, and muscular dystrophy. Males have the highest incidences of sex-linked disorders, which are passed down through the maternal side; the mother gives the son his X chromosomes. This means that if the female partner is a carrier, she may prefer to give birth to a daughter to avoid giving birth to a son with a serious disorder.

Social Reasons

Gender selection is also appropriate for social reasons. Some families may prefer to have balanced families, with an equal or nearly equal ratio of sons to daughters. Others may prefer to have a son to ensure continuity of the family name.

Personal Reasons

You and your partner may choose family balancing for personal reasons. For example, you may have always longed for a child of a particular gender. Or, you may wish to emulate a cherished relationship you had with your mother or father.

Dallas IVF was the first fertility clinic in Collin County to offer family balancing to couples with PGS. Our fertility doctors look forward to working with you to help you achieve your dream of starting or growing your family. Please call our Dallas clinic at (214) 297-0020 to arrange a consultation.