Choose the Sex of Your Baby
The virtually 100% successful way to choose the sex of a baby is to use in vitro fertilization. There are two methods for ensuring the sex of a baby. In the first method, a cell is removed from the embryos and tested for genetic diseases and sex. Only embryos of the desired sex are implanted in the uterus. Recently, another method to aid in choosing the sex of a baby is being used. The sperm is divided between X (female) and Y (male) sperm and only the desired sperm is introduced to the eggs. These methods are almost sure fire but the woman goes through the discomfort of fertility drugs and the risks of multiple births. The cost for in vitro fertilization is about $12,000 and the cost to test the embryo (called pre-implantation
A poll of Americans showed that, depending on method, from 8 to 18% would like to choose the sex of their baby. Another poll found that 42% of the population have no preference in choosing the sex of their baby, while those who did have a preference preferred boys (39%) to girls (19%). Most first world countries have outlawed the ability of parents to choose the sex of their baby, except in certain cases where genetic diseases affect only one sex. In the United States, there are no laws on the books barring parents from choosing the sex of their baby and people even come to the United States from other countries when they want to choose the sex of their baby.
The virtually 100% successful way to choose the sex of a baby is to use in vitro fertilization. There are two methods for ensuring the sex of a baby. In the first method, a cell is removed from the embryos and tested for genetic diseases and sex. Only embryos of the desired sex are implanted in the uterus. Recently, another method to aid in choosing the sex of a baby is being used. The sperm is divided between X (female) and Y (male) sperm and only the desired sperm is introduced to the eggs. These methods are almost sure fire but the woman goes through the discomfort of fertility drugs and the risks of multiple births. The cost for in vitro fertilization is about $12,000 and the cost to test the embryo (called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or PGD) runs from $3000 to $6000 dollars. Some clinics won’t allow a couple to choose the sex of their baby unless there is a sex-linked disease or unless they have at least one child of the sex opposite the one they now want. Many clinics also require that the couple be married.
There is another method called the Shettle’s method which stems from Dr. Landrum B. Shettle’s assertion that Y sperm are lighter, swim faster, but die sooner while the X sperm are heavier, swim slower, but live longer. The Shettle’s method has never been proven but many women swear by it. Timing of intercourse is crucial. To get a boy, couples should have sex as close to ovulation as possible. During ovulation, a woman’s vagina becomes alkaline, making conception more favorable to the less hearty Y sperm. Because Y sperm move faster, they are more likely to beat the X sperm to the egg. Prior to and following ovulation, the vagina is acidic and this favors the heartier X sperm which are more apt to survive for a couple of days.
Women can check their cervical fluids and track their basal body temperature for a few months until she learns how to predict her own ovulation. There are also kits for determining ovulation but these are quite expensive.
And speaking of expensive kits, there are many scams on the Internet claiming to sell you equipment that will help you choose the sex of your baby. These can cost as much as $199 and are worthless.
Then there are the folk methods to help you choose the sex of your baby. The woman should eat plenty of red meat and salty snacks and the man should drink allot of soda, especially colas. When it comes to sex, if you want a boy you should lie down after sex. Supposedly this gives the Y sperm a chance to beat the X sperm. Make love standing up. Try rear entry. If the man suggests love making, you’ll have a boy. The woman should sleep to the left of her partner.
If you want a girl you should use the missionary position or have the woman on top. If the woman orgasms before the man, it will be a girl. If the woman initiates sex it will be a girl.
And there you have it: many methods to choose the sex of your baby. But there are big ethical questions for society to consider if parents are allowed to choose the sex of their baby.
