How is the baby's gender selected in the laboratory?

Gender selection in the laboratory has become one of the topics couples are most interested in in recent years, especially those who wish to balance their family or avoid genetic diseases linked to the baby's sex. With great progress in assisted reproduction and IVF, selecting the embryo's sex with high accuracy has become possible and safe when done in specialised laboratories under the supervision of experienced doctors.

What is gender selection in the laboratory?

Gender selection in the laboratory is a procedure done within an IVF cycle: the egg is fertilised with sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are then tested with special techniques to determine the sex of each embryo before it is transferred to the mother's uterus.

Scientifically it is known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), and it is also used to detect genetic diseases and abnormalities to make sure the embryo is healthy before pregnancy.

When is gender selection in the laboratory advised?

• Genetic diseases linked to a particular sex (such as X-linked diseases).
• The wish to balance the family after having several children of the same sex.
• Cases that need embryo testing for medical reasons before transfer.
• Within assisted reproduction programmes when there is difficulty conceiving or delayed pregnancy.

How is gender selection done, step by step?

1. Ovarian stimulation and egg collection

The woman takes medicines that stimulate the ovary to produce more than one mature egg. The eggs are then collected under light anaesthesia in a simple procedure at the clinic.

2. Fertilising the eggs with sperm

Fertilisation is done in the laboratory with ICSI, injecting a single sperm into each egg to ensure fertilisation.

3. Embryo growth in the laboratory

The embryos are left to grow in a special environment for 3 to 5 days until they reach an advanced stage of division.

4. Embryo biopsy

Usually on day five, one or two cells are taken from the embryo for testing, without affecting the embryo's health.

5. Analysing the cells and determining the sex

The chromosomes are tested in the laboratory to determine whether the embryo is male (XY) or female (XX). The chromosomes are also checked to make sure the embryo is free of genetic disorders.

6. Transferring the chosen embryo

Once the sex of the embryos is known, the embryo or embryos of the desired sex that showed complete genetic health are returned to the uterus, increasing the chances of a healthy, safe pregnancy.

What is the success rate of gender selection in the laboratory?

The accuracy of sex determination in the laboratory exceeds 99% when done in specialised centres with modern techniques. But the pregnancy success rate depends on several factors, including the mother's age, the quality of eggs and sperm, and the condition of the uterus.

Are there risks in selecting the embryo's sex?

The procedure is very safe in specialist hands and does not affect the health of the embryo or the mother. However, it may come with some challenges, such as:

• The need for stimulation medicines before egg collection.
• Not all embryos developing enough to be tested.
• The possibility of repeating the cycle if the results show no suitable embryos.

The ethical and medical side of gender selection

Although the technique is available and advanced, it should be used for medical reasons or to balance the family, not out of unjustified personal preference. Specialist doctors make sure couples understand that the highest goal is having a healthy child above any other consideration.

What sets gender selection apart at the clinic of Dr. Asma Al-Momani

Dr. Asma Al-Momani is one of the leading consultants in fertility, IVF and infertility in Jordan and the region, with more than two decades of experience in the field. She and her specialised team work to the highest international standards, using the latest genetic embryo testing to determine sex with high accuracy, with full regard for the safety of mother and baby.

• An integrated, internationally accredited laboratory environment.
• High accuracy in genetic embryo testing results.
• Direct supervision by the doctor at every stage of treatment.
• Emotional and medical support for couples throughout the fertility journey.

When can you start?

After the doctor assesses your case and the couple completes the basic tests, the gender selection in the laboratory programme can begin within a treatment plan tailored to each case. It is a chance to achieve the dream of having a child safely, with the highest accuracy in choosing a healthy embryo.