Sex Selection: Understanding Your Options for Family Planning

Every parent wants the best for their child, and for some families, that means ensuring their little one is born healthy and free from inherited conditions. Certain genetic disorders, such as haemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are passed down through generations and can impact a child’s quality of life. Thanks to medical advancements like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), families now have the opportunity to reduce the risk of passing on these conditions. PGT allows doctors to screen embryos during fertility treatment, helping parents choose the healthiest embryo for implantation. This not only gives children a better chance at a healthy life but also offers hope for future generations.

What is Sex Selection?

Sex selection is the process of determining the biological sex of an embryo before implantation during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This is typically done through preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), which screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and allows for the selection of a preferred gender in medically necessary cases.

While some families pursue sex selection for medical reasons, such as preventing genetic disorders linked to a specific gender, others explore it for family balancing. However, ethical guidelines are in place to ensure that these decisions are made responsibly.

How Does Sex Selection Work?

Step 1: Undergoing IVF

Sex selection is only possible through IVF treatment. During this process, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised in a laboratory. Once fertilisation occurs, embryos are carefully monitored for development.

Step 2: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

A few days after fertilisation, embryos are tested using PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy). This allows embryologists to determine the chromosomal makeup of each embryo, including whether it is male (XY) or female (XX). PGT also helps identify any chromosomal abnormalities, reducing the risk of implantation failure or miscarriage.

Step 3: Selecting the Embryo

If sex selection is pursued for medical reasons, only embryos of the preferred gender, free from genetic conditions, are selected for implantation. The healthiest embryo is transferred first to maximise the chance of a successful pregnancy. Remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy

The selected embryo is then implanted into the uterus. If the implantation is successful, pregnancy begins. A pregnancy test is conducted after two weeks to confirm the outcome.

Why Do Some Families Consider Sex Selection?

1. Preventing Sex-Linked Genetic Disorders

Certain genetic conditions, such as haemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are inherited in a sex-linked manner. These disorders primarily affect one gender, and choosing an embryo that does not carry the affected gene can help prevent passing these conditions onto future generations.

2. Family Balancing (Where Ethically and Legally Permitted)

Some families seek to have children of both genders to create a balanced family dynamic. However, ethical and legal restrictions exist in certain countries regarding sex selection for non-medical reasons. If you are considering family balancing, it is important to discuss available options with a fertility specialist to understand what is permitted within ethical guidelines.

The Ethical and Legal Considerations of Sex Selection

Sex selection is a complex topic, and ethical considerations vary across different regions. While some countries strictly regulate or prohibit non-medical sex selection, others allow it under certain conditions.

In Nigeria, there are no explicit legal restrictions against sex selection, but cultural and ethical discussions around the practice continue. At Bridge Clinic, we adhere to ethical best practices, ensuring that all reproductive choices align with medical integrity and patient well-being.

If you are considering sex selection, it is essential to consult with a fertility specialist to understand both the medical and ethical implications of this choice.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Sex Selection

• Medical and Emotional Readiness: IVF and PGT involve a multi-step medical process that requires both physical and emotional preparation. Understanding the timeline, process, and emotional impact is crucial before proceeding.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: The decision to choose an embryo’s sex should be made with careful thought. Some countries and medical professionals have regulations regarding non-medical sex selection.
• Success Rates: While PGT-A is highly accurate in determining an embryo’s gender, pregnancy success depends on various factors, including maternal age, embryo quality, and overall fertility health.
• Costs and Accessibility: Sex selection requires IVF and genetic testing, which may come at an additional cost. Availability depends on local regulations and clinic offerings.

How Bridge Clinic Supports Your Fertility Journey

At Bridge Clinic, we believe that every fertility journey is unique. If you are considering reproductive options such as IVF, PGT, or fertility preservation, our expert team will guide you through each step with compassion and transparency.

We understand that family planning is more than just science. It is about making informed choices that align with your goals, values, and health needs. Our team is here to provide clear, personalised guidance so that you feel confident in your decision.

Taking the Next Step in Your Family Planning

If you’re considering sex selection for medical reasons, our fertility specialists are here to provide the information and support you need.

Book a consultation today and take the next step in building your family together.