IVF and gender selection with fertility treatment: everything you need to know about gender selection and how gender selection works
Planning a pregnancy through IVF is a big step – especially if you’re thinking about gender selection. Maybe you’re hoping for a girl after two boys. Maybe it’s a long-held wish to balance your family. Or maybe you’ve faced medical challenges that make choosing the gender of your baby feel like the safest option. No matter your reason, it’s completely valid – and you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the gender selection process, how it works in conjunction with IVF, and what’s realistically possible today. We’ll also look at the different methods of gender selection, the role of embryos and chromosomes, and what the IVF journey might look like for you.
It’s okay if you feel a little overwhelmed – many women do at this stage. That’s why we’re breaking things down step by step, in simple words and with no pressure. Our goal is to help you feel informed and supported, so you can make the best decision for yourself and your future child.
Reasons for gender selection during IVF fertility treatment
There are many reasons why some people consider gender selection during IVF. For some, it’s about protecting their future child from a serious genetic disease that only affects one gender. For others, it’s a way to bring emotional balance to their family after having several children of the same sex. And in many cases, it’s simply a deeply personal wish – something that’s been on their mind for years.
It’s important to know that whatever your reason may be, it’s valid. Wanting a child of a particular gender doesn’t mean you’ll love them more or less – it’s about a longing that often comes from the heart, not the head. In IVF treatment, this wish becomes medically possible through embryo testing, which is part of the ivf process of gender selection process in many fertility clinics abroad.
Why some parents wish to select the gender of their baby
Sometimes, parents choose gender selection to reduce the risk of passing on a genetic condition. Certain disorders are linked to the X chromosome and typically affect boys more than girls – or vice versa. If you’ve already been through a difficult pregnancy, or if you carry a known genetic trait, choosing the sex of your baby might feel like a way to protect your child and your family.
In other cases, the reason is more emotional. You might already have two sons and dream of a daughter. Or perhaps you’ve pictured a life with both a girl and a boy, imagining the different bonds, experiences and connections that come with raising one of each. This wish – often called family balancing – is not unusual, and it’s one of the most common reasons why people explore gender selection through IVF.
Emotional needs, medical background and cultural influences
In many cultures, the gender of a child can carry social or even emotional weight. Whether it’s pressure from relatives or traditions linked to the role of sons or daughters, the desire for a particular gender is sometimes shaped by more than just personal preference. That doesn’t make it wrong – it simply means that the topic is more complex than it might seem at first.
Your medical history may also influence your decision. If your fertility journey has been long, painful or full of uncertainty, you might feel like you only have one more chance – and want to do everything in your power to increase your chances of getting the child you’ve been dreaming of. Choosing the gender can feel like one small piece of control in an otherwise unpredictable process of gender selection.
Natural methods of gender selection – what’s behind them
Before learning about IVF and genetic testing, many people first come across natural methods to choose the gender of their baby. You’ve probably heard of them too – the Shettles method, the Chinese calendar, or even food-based tips to create the “right” environment. These ideas are widely shared online and passed down through generations. But do they actually work?
Most of these techniques rely on timing, body chemistry or ancient beliefs. And while they might feel harmless or even empowering, it’s important to understand their limits. These methods are not backed by strong scientific evidence, and they can’t guarantee the gender of your baby. Still, let’s take a look at what they claim – and why so many couples still try them before considering IVF.
How the Shettles method and timing are supposed to work
The Shettles method is probably the best-known natural approach to gender selection. It’s based on the idea that sperm carrying the Y chromosome (for a boy) are faster but more fragile, while sperm carrying the X chromosome (for a girl) are slower but live longer. According to this theory, having intercourse close to ovulation increases the chances of a boy, while trying a few days before ovulation might favour a girl.
Sounds logical? Maybe – but the actual success rate is uncertain. Even well-timed efforts can easily lead to the opposite outcome. The method ignores many other factors involved in conception, such as the environment in the uterus, egg quality, or hormone levels. So while some couples swear by it, there’s no way to truly know if it was timing or simply chance.
Diet, pH and other lifestyle factors to influence gender in IVF
You may have heard that eating salty food increases the chance of a boy, or that taking calcium and magnesium helps you conceive a girl. These tips are based on the belief that you can change the pH of your body, making it more or less welcoming to certain types of sperm. But the scientific backing here is very thin – and results are inconsistent at best.
It’s also important to mention that once you start IVF, diet or lifestyle won’t affect the gender outcome. In IVF, sperm meets egg in the lab, and fertilised embryos are tested before being transferred. That means the gender is already determined by the time implantation happens. So while eating well and living healthy absolutely support fertility overall, they don’t play a role in selecting the gender during IVF.
Chinese calendar, Jonas method and other predictions
The Chinese gender calendar claims to predict your baby’s gender based on your age and the month of conception. The Jonas method, on the other hand, links fertility to the position of the moon at the time of your birth. These techniques are often seen as fun or spiritual ways to connect with your future child – but they’re not considered reliable by fertility doctors or fertility specialists.
In fact, even if predictions turn out to be correct, it’s usually just coincidence. There’s a 50/50 chance with natural conception, after all. These tools might offer a sense of involvement and ritual, which can feel comforting during a time of uncertainty. But if you’re seriously considering gender selection, especially for medical or emotional reasons, they’re not a substitute for a proven method like IVF with PGD.
Sperm sorting and other lab-based methods
Before we look at embryo testing in IVF, let’s talk about a different approach: sorting sperm before fertilisation. The idea here is simple – separate sperm cells that carry the X chromosome (for a girl) from those carrying the Y chromosome (for a boy), and then use only the group that matches the desired gender. In theory, this means fertilisation will lead to an embryo of the preferred sex.
These techniques have been used for decades, especially in animal breeding. But when it comes to humans, things get more complex. The success rate is lower than many expect, and the methods are rarely used on their own – especially not in fertility clinics focused on accuracy and safety. Still, let’s explore the two best-known options.
How MicroSort works and its limits in gender selection
MicroSort is a technique that separates sperm based on the amount of genetic material. Because X chromosomes are slightly larger than Y chromosomes, they absorb more fluorescent dye in the lab and can be sorted using a special laser-based system. The sperm carrying the preferred chromosome is then used to fertilise the egg – often through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF.
While the idea sounds precise, MicroSort isn’t 100% reliable. For selecting girls, it can reach success rates above 90%, but for boys, the accuracy tends to be lower. More importantly, it doesn’t test the embryo itself. That means genetic abnormalities or chromosomal issues aren’t detected. Many clinics that offer gender selection prefer to use preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which gives a more complete picture.
Swim-up method and separating male or female sperm
The swim-up method is a simpler way to try and separate sperm based on their movement. It assumes that faster sperm – which supposedly carry the Y chromosome – reach the top of a test tube more quickly. These are then collected and used for fertilisation, with the goal of increasing the chance of conceiving a boy.
But the method isn’t precise. There’s no guarantee that the sperm collected are actually carrying the intended sex chromosome. It also doesn’t allow for any embryo testing, and it can’t rule out chromosomal abnormalities. For couples who want to be sure about the gender of their baby – or reduce the risk of passing on a genetic condition – sperm sorting alone is usually not enough.
The IVF gender selection process during IVF treatment
If you’re considering IVF and gender selection, you’ve probably already heard the term PGD. This stands for preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and it’s the most reliable way to select the gender of your baby during an IVF cycle. It allows doctors to examine each embryo before it’s transferred into the uterus – not just for gender, but also for genetic health and chromosomal abnormalities.
Unlike sperm sorting or natural timing methods, this is the only approach that actually looks inside the embryo. That’s why it’s used in clinics that want to offer maximum certainty and safety. The gender selection process in IVF is just one part of the bigger IVF journey – but for many families, it’s the part that gives the most peace of mind.
How embryo testing works with preimplantation genetic diagnosis
During the IVF process, eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm in the lab. A few days later, embryos begin to form. At this stage, a small number of cells is carefully taken from each embryo – this is called a biopsy. These cells are sent to a lab, where specialists examine the chromosomes and check for any abnormalities.
Among other things, this testing reveals whether the embryo has XX or XY chromosomes – in other words, whether it would develop into a girl or a boy. Only embryos of the desired sex are selected for transfer into the uterus. This step, known as embryo testing, is part of what makes PGD such a powerful tool in gender selection. It not only helps parents choose the gender, but also reduces the risk of miscarriage due to chromosomal issues.
PGD and preimplantation genetic screening explained simply
When it comes to gender selection during IVF, you’ll often hear about PGD – preimplantation genetic diagnosis – and PGT-A, which stands for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. These terms refer to the genetic analysis of embryos before they are transferred into the uterus. The goal is to identify embryos that are both chromosomally normal and of the desired gender.
PGT-A is often done using next generation sequencing (NGS), a modern and highly accurate method to screen the embryos. Some clinics offer a basic version of the test, where only a limited number of chromosomes are analysed – for example, the most common five, seven or nine. This can be enough in some cases, but it doesn’t give the full picture. A more complete version of PGT-A includes all 24 chromosomes, which offers greater certainty, especially if you’re hoping for a healthy pregnancy.
Of course, the cost depends on how many chromosomes are tested and which technology is used. But many women feel that the added information is worth it – not just for gender selection, but also to reduce the risk of miscarriage or failed implantation. It’s not just about choosing a boy or a girl – it’s about choosing the embryo with the best chance of becoming your healthy child.
“PGD combined with gender selection is the only reliable method to truly know your future baby’s sex before pregnancy – everything else remains a 50/50 chance.”
Nathalie Wiederkehr
IVF gender selection success rate and influencing factors
If you’re thinking about gender selection through IVF, one of the first questions you might have is: How likely is it to work? The answer depends on several factors – but when done with proper genetic testing, the accuracy of selecting the gender is extremely high. In most cases, the IVF gender selection success rate for identifying the right gender is over 99%.
But selecting the gender is only one part of the story. What really matters is whether the embryo implants successfully and leads to a healthy pregnancy. That’s where your personal fertility background, your age, and the quality of the embryos come into play. Even with perfect lab conditions, IVF success is never guaranteed – but the right approach can significantly improve your chances.
What makes an IVF cycle more successful for gender selection
The more embryos you have, the better your options. That’s because not every embryo is healthy or of the desired sex. Some might carry chromosomal abnormalities, while others might not develop as expected. The success rate of gender selection improves when clinics can test multiple embryos and choose the ones that are both genetically normal and match your preference.
The quality of the lab, the method used for preimplantation genetic testing, and the experience of the clinic all play a role. Some centres offer frozen embryo transfer, which allows for more flexibility and precise timing. Others work with carefully adapted protocols to increase the likelihood of implantation. Working with a trusted fertility clinic that specialises in PGD and gender selection can make a real difference.
How fertility, age and embryo quality impact your chances
Your age is one of the biggest factors in any IVF cycle. As we get older, the number and quality of eggs tends to decrease. That means fewer embryos might develop, and fewer might be suitable for testing. If only one or two embryos are created, it’s possible that none of them are both healthy and of the desired gender. In such cases, another cycle might be needed.
That’s why many women under 35 tend to have higher success rates, simply because their ovarian reserve and egg quality are better. But even if you’re older, it doesn’t mean gender selection won’t work for you. It just means you’ll need the right support, realistic expectations, and maybe a bit more patience. A fertility specialist can help assess your situation and recommend the best IVF treatment plan to improve your chances of success.
Where gender selection is legal – and how much it costs
One of the most confusing aspects of gender selection is the legal situation. While the technique itself is medically possible in many places, it’s not always officially allowed. In fact, only a handful of countries – like the United States – have clear legal guidelines that permit gender selection for non-medical reasons, such as family balancing.
In most other countries where IVF is available, the law doesn’t explicitly forbid gender selection, but it also doesn’t formally approve it. This creates what many describe as a legal grey zone. Clinics in these countries may offer gender selection quietly, especially as part of preimplantation genetic testing for medical purposes. The key difference is whether or not they are allowed to tell you the gender of the embryo.
For couples travelling from abroad, it’s important to understand that even if the procedure is technically possible, the rules on disclosure and communication may vary. That’s why many families choose destinations where the process is more open and clearly explained – not necessarily because it’s legal in the strictest sense, but because it’s tolerated and accessible.
Legal aspects and access in different countries
In Europe, most countries do not allow gender selection unless there’s a medical reason, such as preventing a serious genetic condition. However, some places – like certain regions in the Balkans, the Middle East or Northern Cyprus – offer gender selection as part of IVF treatment, even if it’s not officially written into the law. These countries operate in a way that allows intended parents to make informed choices without fear of legal consequences.
The United States remains the only country where gender selection for non-medical reasons is openly offered and legally permitted. Clinics there provide full disclosure, often with advanced lab technology and clear success data. However, the costs are significantly higher than in other parts of the world, and access is often limited by strict financial or insurance barriers.
The cost of gender selection with or without PGD
The price of gender selection varies greatly depending on the country, the clinic, and the type of testing performed. When PGD or PGT-A is included, the cost tends to be higher, but it also provides more information about the embryos – not just gender, but also chromosomal health. Some clinics offer packages that test only a few chromosomes, while others provide a full analysis of all 24. Naturally, the more detailed the testing, the higher the cost.
In places like Northern Cyprus, the price for IVF with gender selection using PGD is often much lower than in countries like the US. That’s one reason why many women explore treatment options abroad. Still, it’s important to understand what’s included in the quoted price – and whether it covers embryo testing, medications, consultations and follow-up care. A lower cost doesn’t always mean the same level of support.
How to choose the best IVF clinic for your journey
When you’re planning IVF abroad, the choice of clinic can shape your entire experience. Especially if you’re opting for gender selection, you’ll want a place that is open, experienced, and honest about what is medically possible. While some parents are hoping to select the gender of their baby for medical reasons, others are looking to balance their family or fulfil a long-held emotional wish for a child’s gender that feels missing.
Every clinic has its own approach to IVF and gender selection techniques. Some focus on basic testing, others offer more advanced methods like PGD to choose not only the gender, but also check for inherited conditions. If you’re aiming for the best outcome, it’s important to ask whether the clinic tests all chromosomes in the embryo or only a few. This is especially relevant if you want to select a genetic embryo that’s not only healthy but also matches your preferred gender.
You should also ask whether the clinic offers support throughout the full IVF procedure – from hormone preparation to embryo transfer. A trusted fertility team should be able to explain how the father’s sperm that determines the gender is used in vitro fertilisation, and how embryo testing confirms the result. Some clinics even report the average number of embryos of each gender per cycle – valuable data if you’re planning ahead.
Choosing the best clinic means understanding what’s involved in IVF, asking the right questions, and finding professionals who take both your reproductive health and your personal wishes seriously.
Finding a fertility specialist or gender selection clinic abroad
When you’re looking for a fertility specialist or clinic abroad, it’s not just about qualifications – it’s about finding someone who understands your goals, your emotions, and your motivation for gender selection. Some clinics offer advanced IVF procedures but won’t discuss the gender of a baby. Others may have more experience with PGD to choose both a healthy and genetically confirmed embryo of the preferred gender.
It’s helpful to ask specific questions during the first contact. For example, will they test chromosomes in the embryo? Do they report the child’s gender before or after the transfer? How many embryos of each gender do they typically get per IVF cycle? And what’s their reported rate for gender selection that leads to a successful pregnancy?
You might also want to ask if they allow patients to select gender purely for family balancing, or only in combination with medical screening. Many women assume they need a genetic disease in the family to access these options – but depending on the country, that’s not always the case. Clinics that work transparently can give you a clear overview of what’s legal, what’s tolerated, and what’s done in practice.
The right fertility specialist doesn’t just focus on numbers – they listen to your story, your reasons, and your hopes. Whether you’re hoping for a girl or boy, or are open to either but want to prioritise embryo health, you deserve a clinic that respects your choices without pressure or judgment.
What to expect from your IVF treatment and planning ahead
If you’re considering IVF with gender selection, it helps to understand each part of the process – from both a medical and emotional point of view. This is more than just choosing between a girl or boy. It’s about timing, planning, and working with a team that knows how to support you from start to finish.
After stimulation and egg retrieval, the lab combines egg and sperm to create embryos. At this stage, it’s technically the father’s sperm that determines the gender – but the actual confirmation happens only through genetic testing. Clinics can identify if the embryo carries XX or XY chromosomes, and whether it is chromosomally normal. Testing also helps exclude genetic abnormalities before implantation.
Planning ahead also means thinking about your priorities. Do you want to test for health only, or are you also hoping to select gender? Is one gender a strong emotional wish, or are you leaving the decision to embryo quality? Asking yourself these questions will help you and your fertility team prepare for the decisions ahead. It also helps to learn more about how gender selection works scientifically – not just what you read online.
Some clinics give you the option to test all 24 chromosomes using NGS, while others offer a smaller panel. This affects cost, but also clarity. The more you understand the embryos before transfer, the more confidence you’ll have in your treatment. And if you’re pregnant with a boy or hoping for a girl, it’s comforting to know that your choice was informed and supported.
What’s next on your IVF journey
After understanding the IVF gender selection process, many women ask: what now? Do I need to decide right away? Should I already choose a clinic? The truth is, there’s no rush – but it helps to take the next steps with confidence. Whether you’ve tried natural methods or are just now involved in IVF for the first time, you deserve clarity and support.
This might be the time to gather more personalised information. Learn more about how gender is determined and tested – including whether the clinic confirms the sex of their baby during embryo biopsy, or only after transfer. You can also ask about the practical side: how long the cycle takes, how many days you’d need to travel, and what happens if there are no embryos of the desired gender available after testing.
Understanding the process also includes your emotional well-being. IVF is not just a physical procedure – it’s a reproductive journey. Some women feel relief after finally deciding to use IVF for gender selection, others feel nervous or unsure. Whatever your feelings, it’s completely valid. And you don’t have to do this alone.
Download your guide with countries, clinics and legal tips
To make things easier, we’ve created a step-by-step guide for women considering gender selection through IVF. It covers the legal situation in different countries, the medical details of embryo testing, and the typical cost differences between clinics. If you’re wondering whether you’re allowed to know the gender of your child before transfer – or if you can choose a clinic that shows you that information – this guide will help.
The guide also explains how different methods of gender selection work, what to expect at each step, and which countries offer access to these procedures without legal risk. It includes tips on what to ask during a consultation and how to compare options – whether you’re hoping for a girl, a boy, or simply the healthiest embryo.
Whether you’re new to IVF or already deep in research, this guide is your next logical step. You’ll get honest information without clinic names – but with real insight into how clinics work in practice and how to approach the decision-making process with clarity.
Get support if you need help comparing options or deciding
If you feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities, that’s normal. This is not just about embryos in the lab – it’s about your future, your values, and the family you’re hoping to create. Whether you’re interested in choosing the sex of the baby or prioritising health, we can help you reflect on what matters most.
A private consultation gives you space to ask about selecting gender, testing options, embryo quality, and what to do if no embryo of the preferred gender is available. It’s also the place to ask about emotional blocks, timing, travel and how to balance all of this with your current life situation.
Gender selection is a deeply personal decision. It’s okay if you’re not sure yet – but having someone neutral by your side, who’s done this journey with hundreds of women, can change everything. And if you’re pregnant with a boy after wishing for a girl (or the other way around), we’re here for that, too.
Everything you need to know about IVF success and how gender selection works to get your desired sex using IVF with PGD
If you’re hoping for a specific outcome in your IVF journey – like selecting the sex of your baby – it’s helpful to understand what really impacts success. IVF success depends on many factors: the age of the egg, the health of the embryo, the experience of the clinic, and the techniques they use to test for abnormalities.
PGD to choose gender is not only about identifying whether an embryo is male or female – it’s also about ensuring the embryo is chromosomally normal. Through embryo testing, labs can check the entire genetic structure and decide which embryos have the highest chance of implantation and development. Some clinics test just a few chromosomes, while others analyse all 24 – including the sex chromosomes – to increase your chances of success.
Women often ask whether they can influence the outcome. In truth, it’s not about trying to manipulate nature – it’s about understanding how IVF and genetics work together. When you fertilise egg and sperm in a lab, each embryo is unique. Some will be viable, some will not. Some will match your desired sex, and some won’t. What matters is that you’re informed and supported throughout the process.
Whether you’re trying for your first child or hoping to complete your family with one last pregnancy, the decision to select gender is a deeply personal one. This guide – and the team behind it – is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
