Fertina IVF
Gender selection, also referred to as sex selection, is a cutting-edge medical technique connected to in vitro fertilization (IVF) that gives potential parents the ability to decide the gender of their next child. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), also known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), is used in this procedure. PGS/PGD gives parents peace of mind about the health of their unborn child by evaluating embryos for sex and genetic health prior to implantation into the uterus.
Several reasons exist for parents to seek gender selection. Some common motivations include:
This technique seeks to distinguish between sperm with the X chromosome, which results in a female child, and those with the Y chromosome, which results in a male child. Following sorting, the sperm are utilized for in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination. This is done through a technique called the Swim Up method. Although this step on its own is not 100% accurate, it helps us create more embryos from the desired gender after fertilization. PGD, which will come at a later stage, is always needed to be 100% certain of the chosen gender for each embryo before implantation
The Swim-Up technique is a widely used method in andrology and assisted reproductive technology (ART) for sperm sorting, especially in contexts like in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), or diagnostic semen analysis. Here’s a comprehensive overview of how it works, its scientific basis, applications, benefits, and limitations:
The Swim-Up method isolates motile (actively swimming) sperm from a semen sample. It relies on the natural ability of motile sperm to swim upward through a culture medium, leaving behind immotile sperm, debris, leukocytes, and other unwanted cells.
Procedure (Step-by-Step):
Liquefaction: Semen sample is allowed to liquefy at room temperature or 37°C for 20–30 minutes.
Centrifugation (optional):
In the direct Swim-Up method, semen is placed directly under the culture medium without centrifugation.
In the indirect Swim-Up method, the semen is diluted and centrifuged to form a pellet of sperm cells.
Overlay with Medium:
Culture medium (e.g., Human Tubal Fluid or HEPES-buffered medium) is gently layered on top of the semen or sperm pellet.
Incubation:
The tube is incubated (typically 30–60 minutes at 37°C) at an angle to encourage sperm to swim upward into the medium.
Harvesting:
The upper layer of the medium, now enriched with motile sperm, is carefully removed for use in ART procedures.
Motility Selection: Only sperm with good motility can swim into the overlaid medium.
Morphology and DNA Integrity: Motile sperm tend to be of better morphology and may have improved DNA integrity compared to immotile ones.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): IVF, ICSI, and IUI.
Sperm Analysis: As part of semen analysis to assess sperm motility.
Sex Selection & Genetic Screening: May be a first step before further sorting for sex chromosomes or genetic quality.
Simple & Inexpensive: Requires minimal equipment and reagents.
Selective for High Motility: Enhances the chance of using high-quality sperm.
Reduces Contaminants: Removes dead sperm, debris, and leukocytes.
Gentle: Less mechanical stress on sperm compared to density gradient centrifugation
For gender selection, this is thought to be the most successful approach. IVF involves fertilizing many eggs in a lab. After that, a single cell is extracted from every embryo for genetic analysis, which includes determining sex. The uterus then receives only embryos of the desired sex. PGD is commonly employed in medicine to stop the spread of sex-linked genetic diseases as well.
How it works:
To determine the sex, only a small number of the embryo’s cells are extracted and analyzed during IVF treatments. The only embryos chosen for uterine transfer are those of the intended gender.
A person’s chromosome structure has a significant impact on their lives. Hereditary variables affect physical attributes, mental capacities, internal organ function, and body systems. The growth of the embryo may stop at any point during pregnancy due to a genetic and or chromosomal error, or the infant may be born with a serious genetic condition.
The chances of having genetic issues in a baby are most commonly related to the parents’ age. For women over 35, there’s a notable decrease in both the number and quality of their eggs, particularly in terms of genetic material. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a method that helps identify these issues before pregnancy, allowing doctors to avoid transferring embryos with chromosomal problems. This can greatly lower the risk of miscarriage or having a baby with a genetic disorder. PGD is specifically used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Many couples choose PGD even if they don’t have a known family history of genetic conditions, simply to help ensure their baby’s health.
One of the PGD methods conducted as part of IVF treatment is FISH (Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization). Using this technique, healthy embryos are chosen for uterine transfer. FISH checks the 5 chromosomes most typically associated with disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18) and also provides gender selection (X and Y Chromosomes).
On the fifth day of embryo development, PGD analysis is carried out with a focus on five chromosomes (13, 18, 21, X, and Y) in order to gather precise and comprehensive data.
PGS testing offers several benefits for individuals and couples undergoing IVF treatment:
If you choose to pursue gender selection at our IVF clinic, the process will typically involve the following steps:
Consultation:
Our fertility professionals will go over your goals, medical history, and the available gender selection options during your initial consultation. Based on your unique circumstances, we will help you determine the best course of action.
Ovulation stimulation:
Ovarian stimulation is the first step in many assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In contrast to the typical one egg generated during a natural monthly cycle, the goal of this phase is to induce the ovaries to produce several egg cells throughout development and maturity. Depending on how each individual reacts to the medications, the duration of the ovarian stimulation period might range from 8 to 14 days.
Egg Retrieval:
Following development, the embryos will be surgically removed from your own ovary.
Sedation or anesthetic is typically used to make sure the patient is comfortable during the procedure. The eggs are carefully collected and then taken to the laboratory for further processing.
The quantity of eggs gathered may vary based on how the patient responds to the ovarian stimulation medications. To increase the chances of fertilization and embryo development, the general goal is to collect as many mature eggs as possible.
Fertilization:
There are two main methods of fertilization when using ART:
a. Traditional insemination: When produced sperm and collected eggs are placed together in an incubator plate, fertilization occurs naturally.
b. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): One sperm is put straight into the egg using a particular micromanipulation technique.
After insemination, the eggs are put in an incubator, which provides the proper gas, temperature, and humidity conditions for fertilization and the initial phases of embryo development. The eggs are continuously monitored during this period to ensure that appropriate fertilization has occurred.
Embryo Development:
For a few days following fertilization, the eggs are kept in an incubator to allow the embryos to develop.
Finding the best embryos for transfer or cryopreservation is the aim of this phase of careful monitoring and evaluation of the embryos’ development.
Embryo Testing (PGD):
Using embryo biopsy, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) or monogenic/single-gene disorders (PGT-M) is frequently performed on embryos.
When the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, which typically happens on days five or six, this stage takes place. During this period, a small number of cells are removed from the embryo. This process is done in a lab environment using specialist micromanipulation equipment to ensure the embryo’s safety and integrity.
Any chromosomal abnormalities or certain genetic diseases that can affect the viability of the embryo or the health of the developing child can be found with the use of this genetic testing.
Embryo Transfer:
Based on the results of the PGS test, the patient and the fertility doctor will decide which embryo is most suited for transfer. Generally speaking, embryos with a normal chromosome composition are preferred since they have a higher chance of resulting in a successful pregnancy and a healthy child. The selected embryo is then inserted into the uterus as part of the embryo transfer procedure.
Pregnancy Test:
Around 2 weeks following embryo transfer (12 days to be exact), you will be taken for a pregnancy test to confirm the procedure was a success.
When pregnancy is achieved, the baby will be of the selected gender because our IVF center in Cyprus has a 100% gender selection accuracy record. Due to their lack of reproductive issues and the fact that they are seeking treatment only to produce a child of the preferred gender, gender selection patients have the best success rates. With the correct treatment plan and thorough medical examination, our pregnancy success rate for this group is over 85%.
Many families place a high value on a pregnancy with a clearly specified gender, as we know in our IVF center. As a result, we are happy to help you achieve your family-building objectives by utilizing cutting-edge reproductive technologies including sperm sorting and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Throughout the whole procedure, our team of fertility specialists is dedicated to offering individualized, sensitive treatment. We will assist you throughout the IVF process and work with you to find the best alternative for the gender selection procedure.
Please get in touch with us (Hyperlink Whatsapp) if you would like to schedule a consultation or learn more about our gender selection services. We are available to help you start a family.