Gender selection is a relatively new practice in infertility treatment. It is gaining popularity due to its ability to prevent the transfer of genetic diseases linked to sex.
The Science:
There are trillions of human cells in the body. Each cell has a nucleus that contains chromosomes. These chromosomes are made up of DNA. The DNA makes up our genes. Genes determine what physical traits a child might have, such as eye color.
The problem arises when there are alterations in the DNA that causes gene mutations, and just like the physical traits, mutations are passed from adult to child. Sex linked diseases are parts of genes located on the X or Y chromosomes (the sex chromosomes).
As males only inherit one X chromosome (from their mother) they will usually present with any mutations from this chromosome. Females on the other hand, inherit two X chromosomes, therefore if one X chromosome is carrying a genetic disease, the other copy of the X chromosome, that the female has, will cancel it out. Therefore unsurprisingly most people that suffer from X-linked diseases are male. Examples of these sex linked disorders are: hemophilia, muscular dystrophy and color blindness.
The Treatment:
Gender selection via IVF now is used to prevent these genetic medical diseases. There are many treatments being offered by infertility specialists however the majority of these treatments are not only expensive, they are also, in general, extremely ineffective.
However a technique pioneered by the Center for Human Reproduction, New York City, has been approved by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and is now a popular and effective technique used for gender selection.
The technique uses a combination of IVF and PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis). Embryos are created from the female eggs and male sperm. When 6-8 cells are present, one cell is taken off the embryo. This cell is analyzed for chromosomal makeup. From this chromosomal analysis, it can be determined which embryos are male and which are female. Via IVF, only the desired sex is transferred into the uterus for implantation.
The benefit of this technique is in its accuracy and effectiveness. There is close to 100% accuracy, and also, the examination of the embryo cells, does not cause damage to the embryo.
Genetic diseases can have devastating effects on a child’s health. Although currently there is a large debate surrounding the ethics of genetic selection, it cannot be denied that genetic selection, in relation to having the chance to improve the health of one’s child is extremely effective.
