GENDER SELECTION IN EXOSOMIC FERTILIZATION

7 August 20222′ read

Most parents would be happy to have a baby of either sex, boy or girl. For various reasons, however, some have a strong preference for one sex over the other. We see this arising, for example, for cultural reasons, or when a family already has several children of one sex and simply wants to balance the family.

This is nothing new. People were trying to control the sex of their children long before IVF came along. For example, some believe that having intercourse in a particular way will determine the sex of the baby. This idea seems to be supported by the fact that the X (female) or Y (male) chromosome carried by the sperm determines the sex of the embryo (the egg, or oocyte, always carries an X chromosome). Because the Y chromosome is smaller, and therefore lighter, than the X chromosome, some believe that this allows sperm carrying the Y chromosome to swim faster. In practice, this difference is too small to matter, and such techniques do not produce significantly more babies of either sex than would otherwise be expected. Sex selection techniques based on differences in sperm swimming speed are not very effective.

With IVF, however, we can examine the genetic make-up of an embryo. We can test embryos in culture for diseases carried on the chromosomes (single-gene defects), such as cystic fibrosis. Only the embryos that do not carry the disease gene are then transferred to the uterus. We can also check the number of chromosomes in each embryo and transfer only those with the normal number. It is hoped that this approach will increase IVF success rates per transfer by eliminating the transfer of non-viable embryos. These genetic tests are commonly known as PGD or PGS (preimplantation genetic diagnosis or screening).

PGD and PGS also reveal the sex of the embryo, which makes sex selection possible. Female embryos have two X chromosomes (one from each parent), while male embryos have one X chromosome from the mother and one Y chromosome from the father. Transferring only embryos of one sex will significantly increase the likelihood that the resulting children will be of that sex. This is a very effective technique for sex selection.

To find out more about sex selection, contact the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine - Dr. Alexandros Traianos for a consultation.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?