How to select gender in IVF?
The development of IVF technology has realized the hope of fertility for many infertile couples. In addition to solving the problem of infertility, some couples also hope to be able to choose their desired gender during IVF. The following will elaborate on how to select gender in IVF from four aspects: embryo screening, gender selection technology, legal and moral regulations, and hospital practice.
1. Embryo screening
Embryo screening is a key step in gender selection. Through embryo biology technology, embryo sex screening can be carried out in the early stage of IVF. The commonly used methods include embryo biopsy, amniotic fluid cell analysis and embryo chromosome analysis. These methods can detect the sex of the embryo and help couples choose the sex they want.
However, embryo screening has certain risks and limitations. On the one hand, embryo screening needs to be carried out in the early embryonic development stage after artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, which may reduce the success rate of pregnancy. On the other hand, the technology of embryo screening is not completely accurate, and there is a certain error rate. Therefore, couples should weigh the advantages and disadvantages when deciding to conduct embryo screening, actively communicate with doctors and make decisions carefully.
2. Gender selection technology
In addition to embryo screening, there are other techniques that can help couples choose a gender. PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) is one of the most widely used technologies. PGD can determine whether the embryo carries a specific sex gene by taking a small part of cells for genetic analysis at the early stage of embryonic development. The accuracy of this technology is high, but there are still some risks and limitations.
In addition, there are some non-invasive methods that can be used for sex selection, such as embryo sex determination and blood test. This method can predict the sex of the embryo by extracting a small amount of blood from the pregnant woman's body and detecting the embryonic cells in the blood. This method is simple and convenient, but its accuracy and reliability still need further research and verification.
3. Legal and ethical provisions
There are legal and moral restrictions on gender selection in IVF. Different countries and regions have different provisions on gender selection laws. Some countries prohibit or restrict the use of gender selection technology, while others regulate and supervise it. In the process of gender selection, couples should understand and abide by the relevant laws and moral regulations of the country or region where they are located to ensure legal and reasonable operation.
In addition, doctors and hospitals should also follow professional ethics, provide true and accurate information in the process of gender selection, and ensure that gender selection will not have any adverse impact on the embryo and the child itself.
4. Hospital practice
In the process of IVF, hospitals often provide gender selection services according to the restrictions of laws and moral regulations. Some hospitals with relevant technology and experience can provide counseling and help for couples in gender selection. When choosing a hospital, couples can consider the professional background, technical level, success rate and service quality of the hospital.
In conclusion, sex selection in IVF is a decision that needs to be carefully weighed. Couples can realize their wishes through embryo screening, gender selection technology, compliance with laws and moral regulations, and selection of appropriate hospitals. However, we should also realize that gender selection is not the only choice criteria, and family health and happiness should be more important considerations.
