Gender Selection Services
The individual sperm that fertilizes an egg determines the sex of a child. If the sperm carries an "X" chromosome, the child will be female; if it carries a "Y" chromosome, the child will be male. In some cases, individuals or couples have a strong preference for one sex over the other. Gender selection offers a way to increase the likelihood of conceiving a boy or a girl, whether for personal, medical, or family-planning reasons.
What is gender selection?
Also known as sex selection, gender selection is the practice of choosing a child’s sex before conception. While natural conception results in roughly a 50/50 chance, certain fertility techniques can improve the odds by identifying whether sperm carry an X or Y chromosome prior to fertilization. Approaches vary depending on your goals and fertility needs: some involve IVF and genetic testing, while others use non-invasive sperm sorting methods to enrich sperm samples for the desired sex. Each option comes with different levels of accuracy, cost, and complexity, enabling patients to select the best fit for their circumstances.
Our Gender Selection Process at The Fertility Center of California
At The Fertility Center of California, we offer a gender selection option using a sperm sorting technique adapted from research originally developed at Cornell University. This method is designed for individuals and couples who want to increase their chances of having a boy or a girl for family balancing or personal reasons.
Our process takes advantage of a natural biological difference between sperm cells: those carrying the X chromosome contain about 2.8% more DNA than those carrying the Y chromosome. Because of this difference, X-bearing sperm are slightly larger and heavier than Y-bearing sperm. We use a carefully controlled laboratory method to separate and enrich the sperm sample for the sex you choose.
To confirm the accuracy of our sorting, we test the sperm using a technique called FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization), which allows us to identify whether each sperm carries an X or a Y chromosome.
Our Lab Results:
- For female selection, up to 80% of the sorted sperm carry the X chromosome
- For male selection, up to 65% of the sorted sperm carry the Y chromosome
This enrichment offers a significantly higher chance of conceiving the desired sex compared to natural conception
Reasons for Gender Selection
Many individuals and couples explore how to choose the gender of their baby for a variety of personal, medical, or emotional reasons. Gender selection is a safe, science-based option that can support your family goals in meaningful ways. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose this path:
- Family Balancing: For couples who already have one or more children of the same sex and wish to add a child of the opposite sex to complete their family dynamic.
- Avoiding Sex-Linked Genetic Disorders: Some genetic conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy or hemophilia, primarily affect one sex, usually males. Gender selection may help reduce the risk of passing these conditions to children.
- Personal or Cultural Reasons: Some families have deeply held personal, spiritual, or cultural preferences that make having a child of a specific gender especially meaningful.
- Non-IVF Option Available: Our sperm sorting method provides a less invasive and more affordable alternative to IVF for those who don’t need full fertility treatment.
Gender Selection Without IVF
Gender selection without IVF uses a non-invasive sperm sorting technique to increase your chances of conceiving a boy or a girl without the need for hormone treatments, egg retrieval, or embryo creation. After sorting the sperm sample based on whether it carries an X or Y chromosome, the selected sperm are used for intrauterine insemination (IUI), a simple in-office procedure. It’s a natural and more affordable option for couples who don’t need full fertility treatment but still want to choose the sex of their baby.
Comparing Gender Selection Methods
| Feature | Sperm Separation for Gender Selection + IUI | IVF + PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | More invasive |
| Hormones needed? | No | Yes |
| Gender accuracy | Up to 80% (female) / 65% (male) | Nearly 100% |
| Fertilization method | Natural | Lab fertilization |
| Genetic testing? | No | Yes |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher cost |
| Best for | Fertile couples wanting a gender option | Couples needing fertility help or genetic testing |
- We still offer the gender selection process if you want to make IVF vials
FAQs About Gender Selection
Gender selection is a fertility option that increases the likelihood of conceiving a boy or girl by separating sperm based on whether they carry the X (female) or Y (male) chromosome before fertilization.
It’s a laboratory technique that enriches a sperm sample for either X- or Y-bearing sperm. Our method, based on Cornell University research, uses DNA content differences and FISH testing for verified results.
Sperm sorting with IUI is significantly more affordable than IVF with genetic testing. Contact our clinic for current pricing.
Our method enriches sperm samples to contain up to 80% X-bearing sperm (for girls) or 65% Y-bearing sperm (for boys). While not 100% guaranteed, it's far more effective than natural conception.
Yes! Our non-IVF method uses sperm sorting and IUI, making it a less invasive, lower-cost option for eligible couples.
Family balancing refers specifically to choosing a baby’s sex when a family already has one or more children of a specific gender. Gender selection is the broader term, covering all sex-selection cases, regardless of family composition.
There are no strict age limits for gender selection services, but overall reproductive health plays an important role in determining eligibility. Factors such as egg quality, sperm health, hormone levels, and underlying medical conditions may influence which gender selection options are appropriate. A consultation is typically required to assess individual circumstances.
The number of IUI cycles recommended varies based on age, fertility history, and overall treatment goals. In general, patients may attempt several IUI cycles before considering IVF, particularly if pregnancy is not achieved or if success rates are expected to be higher with more advanced treatment options.
Yes, frozen sperm samples can often be used for gender selection. In many cases, previously cryopreserved sperm can be thawed and prepared for sperm sorting, provided the sample meets quality and concentration requirements. An andrology laboratory can review stored samples to determine suitability before proceeding.
In many cases, sperm can be shipped to the laboratory for sorting rather than requiring in-person travel. Proper coordination, documentation, and specialized shipping protocols are necessary to ensure sample integrity. A coordinator can help determine whether shipping is appropriate based on your treatment plan and location.
A referral is not always required, but a consultation is typically necessary before starting gender selection services. This allows our clinical team to review medical history, discuss available options, and ensure that the selected approach aligns with individual fertility goals and clinical recommendations.
Men with low sperm count may still be eligible for sperm sorting, but success depends on the quality and concentration of motile sperm available. In some cases, alternative fertility treatments such as IVF with ICSI may be recommended if sperm quantity or motility is too limited for effective sorting.
Why the Fertility Center of California for Gender Selection
The Fertility Center of California brings decades of laboratory experience and clinical collaboration to gender selection services. Our state-of-the-art laboratories operate under strict regulatory standards and use advanced sperm preparation and sorting techniques designed to support accuracy, safety, and consistency throughout the process.
We work closely with experienced fertility specialists to ensure that each patient’s care plan is medically appropriate and aligned with their broader fertility goals. Clear communication is a priority, including transparent discussions about success rates, limitations, and whether alternative treatment options may be more effective based on individual circumstances.
As Dr. Martin Bastuba, Medical and Scientific Director, emphasizes, patient-centered care and ethical guidance are central to every decision. Our team is committed to helping patients navigate gender selection thoughtfully, with expert oversight, reliable laboratory practices, and compassionate support at every step. Connect with us today to learn more.
