Gender selection, or family balancing, can be accomplished using IVF with PGD. One reason gender selection is important is that many genetic diseases are "sex linked," meaning they only occur in a child of a specific sex. PGD for gender selection insures that an embryo with a potential sex linked genetic disease is not transferred to the mother. Only embryos of the unaffected sex are transferred.

Gender selection / family balancing is used by some couples who have children of one sex and want to experience the joy of raising a child of the opposite gender. Other couples choose gender selection because they want a male child that can perpetuate their family name, or for any number of other personal reasons. If you are interested in the history of PGD, family balancing, and screening for genetic diseases we have a page devoted to this topic.

PGD is discussed in detail on this Web site as are, the gender selection processes, and we provide descriptions of the various potential sex linked genetic defects. Huntington is also one of the few centers that offers the Microsort gender selection technique. Microsort can be reviewed at our main Web site.

PGD is performed in conjunction with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle to produce embryos that can be biopsied. If indicated, techniques such as ICSI will be employed. As in a regular IVF cycle, the female receives ovulation induction medications (FSH) to cause the production of multiple eggs.  There must be enough eggs to produce a sufficient number of embryos because some of the eggs are unavoidably damaged during the ART cycle. Also, "extra" embryos can often be frozen (cryopreserved) for use in future cycles. When frozen/thawed embryos are used the patient does not have to undergo ovarian stimulation thus saving the cost of fertility drugs.

During the IVF cycle, patients come to our clinics for periodic monitoring by ultrasound and measurement of estradiol hormone levels. These measurements insure that the eggs are developing normally and that the patient is not at risk for serious side effects, such as hyperstimulation syndrome. 

Once the eggs mature and are ready for transfer, the patient comes to the office for the egg retrieval, which is accomplished using ultrasound guided transvaginal oocyte aspiration under mild sedation. The eggs are then combined with sperm in a Petri dish, and incubated from three to five days or until mature. Incubation maintains the embryos at the proper temperature and controls other environmental conditions. Once the embryos mature they are ready for the PGD procedure.

PGD requires that a small sample of the embryos DNA be taken for examination using FISH and/or PCR. Only embryos without the genetic defect, with the correct number of chromosomes, or embryos of the selected sex are transferred to the mother. PGD pregnancy success rates are similar to regular in vitro fertilization and gender selection rates approach 100%.

Huntington Reproductive Center has been at the forefront for most developments in assisted reproductive technologies including PGD, ICSI, assisted hatching and others.  We strive to make new procedures available as soon as clinical efficacy is documented. Huntington also conducts ongoing research aimed at discovering new and more effective diagnostic and treatment options for our infertile couples. Oftentimes, we make research protocols available to our patients. See the Clinical Studies section of havingbabies.com.