Scientific aspects of preconception gender selection.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-1-2005
Abstract
Although numerous methods have been promoted as having an influence on the gender of offspring, most lack credible scientific evidence of effectiveness. Preconception gender selection has an important application in reducing the risk of having children with X-linked disease. A preconception, flow cytometric sperm sorting method of gender selection (MicroSort) is based upon the detection of differential fluorescence emitted by fluorescently stained X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. Ongoing clinical trial results illustrate the safety and efficacy of the method. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of specimens pre- and post-sort show the 50:50 X:Y ratio in unsorted spermatozoa can be shifted to 90% X or 75% Y after sorting. Embryo gender and fetal/baby gender are consistent with post-sort FISH results. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF/ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) pregnancy rates are consistent with those reported in the assisted reproduction literature. Clinical loss rates are similar to those in the general population. The observed major congenital abnormality rate of 2.05% for babies born after using this sperm sorting method coincides with that occurring spontaneously. Current results indicate that the method is a safe and effective process and is a valuable tool for families wishing to balance the gender distribution of their children or to reduce the likelihood of having children with X-linked disease.
Volume
10 Suppl 1
First Page
111
Last Page
115
ISSN
1472-6483
Published In/Presented At
Schulman, J. D., & Karabinus, D. S. (2005). Scientific aspects of preconception gender selection. Reproductive biomedicine online, 10 Suppl 1, 111–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62217-1
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
15820020
Department(s)
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Document Type
Article