Can IVF accurately predict embryo sex?
The IVF program is an assisted reproductive technology, which helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams by cultivating fertilized eggs in vitro and then implanting healthy embryos into their mothers. However, some people question whether IVF can accurately predict the sex of embryos? The following is a discussion from the perspective of the principle, accuracy, controversy and practical application of embryo sex prediction.
Principles of embryo sex prediction
The prediction of embryo sex depends on the principle of genetics. In human chromosomes, men have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, while women have two X chromosomes. When fertilized eggs are bred by sperm, they will carry their parents' chromosomes. The sex of the embryo can be determined by genetic analysis of the chromosome composition in the fertilized egg.
There are two main methods for embryo sex prediction, one is pre implantation embryo genetic testing, the other is post implantation non-invasive gender testing. The former needs to take samples for genetic testing before the embryo is implanted into the mother, which can directly determine the sex of the embryo. The latter is to predict the sex of the embryo by non-invasive detection of fetal DNA in maternal peripheral blood after the embryo is implanted into the mother.
Accuracy and dispute
The accuracy of IVF embryo sex prediction has always been a controversial issue. On the one hand, preimplantation embryo genetic testing has more advantages in accuracy, with an accuracy rate of more than 98%. This method can avoid implantation of embryos of the wrong sex, improve the success rate of pregnancy, and reduce unnecessary medical costs and psychological burden.
However, the accuracy of non-invasive gender detection after implantation is low, generally about 85%. This method depends on the fetal DNA in maternal peripheral blood, so it may be affected by other factors in maternal blood, resulting in inaccurate prediction results. In addition, some countries and regions stipulate that embryo sex prediction is not allowed without medical needs, which is also one of the reasons for the controversy.
practical application
Embryo sex prediction is of great significance in practical applications. On the one hand, for some carriers of genetic diseases, especially some gene mutations that can only be passed on to their children, embryo sex prediction can help couples choose embryos carrying normal genes and avoid disease risks. On the other hand, some couples may have a preference for the sex of their children, and embryo sex prediction can meet their needs.
However, the prediction of embryo sex also has moral and ethical problems caused by sex selection. Some people worry that embryo sex selection may lead to gender imbalance, resulting in the imbalance of social gender structure. Therefore, many countries and regions have restricted and regulated embryo sex selection.
summary
The IVF program can accurately predict embryo sex. The principle of embryo sex prediction is based on genetic knowledge. There are two methods: pre implantation genetic detection and post implantation non-invasive sex detection. In terms of accuracy, preimplantation genetic testing is more reliable. However, the prediction of embryo sex is also controversial, which is mainly reflected in concerns about moral and ethical issues and restrictions in some countries and regions. In practical application, embryo sex prediction is of great significance to the needs of some carriers of genetic diseases and couples.
