IVF for Gender Selection uses the Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) procedure to identify the gender of each embryo. With this method, prospective parents will know the gender of each embryo with 100% accuracy prior to their transfer into the uterus.
The Gender Selection IVF procedure requires the creation of embryos and, therefore, is an extension of In Vitro Fertilization. Please see the In Vitro Fertilization procedure for the process of creating the embryos.
IVF Gender Selection Procedure
Gender Selection is a complex treatment consisting of the following steps:
1. In Vitro Fertilization to create embryos
2. Extended embryo culture to blastocyst
The embryos should reach the blastocyst stage (80 or more cells) by the fifth to seventh day after the egg retrieval.
The picture below shows an advanced stage of blastocyst development. Notice the central fluid-filled cavity. The cells within the blastocyst have already differentiated into the inner cell mass (at seven o’clock) that will give rise to the fetus and the trophectoderm cells that will form the future placenta.
3. Blastocyst trophectoderm (embryonic tissue) biopsy
An embryo biopsy is performed by creating an opening in the eggshell around the embryo. It is possible to safely remove six to eight cells through this opening using a special microscope with micromanipulators. The cells are taken from the trophectoderm only (future placenta cells, genetically identical to embryonic cells). The “inner mass” cells (embryonic cells) are not removed.
So far, there is no evidence that embryonic biopsy results in an increased chance of abnormalities in the baby or that the risk of birth defects is higher when compared to conceptions that occur spontaneously without medical assistance (2% to 5%).
4. Blastocyst vitrification (cryopreservation)
Since it takes several days to carry out the embryo genetic analysis, the blastocysts are cryopreserved immediately after their biopsy and stored in liquid nitrogen.
5. Genetic analysis of the embryonic tissue
The accuracy of PGT cell analysis of genetically abnormal embryos approaches 100% but is not guaranteed. Even though highly unlikely, it is possible that an embryo tested as normal may not be genetically perfect.
6. Liquid nitrogen storage of the cryopreserved embryos
Vitrified embryos can be stored for extended periods, but most PGT patients will start an embryo transfer cycle with the onset of the first menstrual period after IVF treatment.
7. Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer
The endometrial lining is first stimulated with estrogen and progesterone, followed by the thawing of one or two embryos tested as normal by the PGT analysis and then transferring them inside the uterus.
If you are successful, your pregnancy becomes indistinguishable from conception through intercourse, and your obstetrical care should be no different than if you conceived without any treatment.
