Sex selection in IVF is a controversial topic, but for some couples, it’s an important consideration. In Lebanon, sex selection is legal for medical reasons only. Here is an overview of the process of sex selection in IVF:
Step 1: Ovarian stimulation. The first step in sex selection IVF is the same as traditional IVF. The woman is given fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Step 2: Egg retrieval. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries using a needle under ultrasound guidance.
Step 3: Fertilization. The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish.
Step 4: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). After fertilization, a small sample of cells is removed from each embryo and analyzed to determine its gender. This is done using a technique called preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), which can also detect chromosomal abnormalities.
Step 5: Embryo transfer. Only embryos of the desired gender are selected for transfer into the uterus.
It’s important to note that sex selection for non-medical reasons is illegal in Lebanon, and couples must have a valid medical reason to request sex selection. Valid medical reasons can include genetic disorders that are linked to a specific gender or the risk of passing on a sex-linked disorder.
While sex selection in IVF is a deeply personal decision, it’s important to consider the ethical and societal implications of this choice. It’s important to have open and honest discussions with your doctor, partner, and other trusted advisors to ensure that you are making an informed decision.
