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 Baby gender selection has generated a great deal of interest. Its proponents believe that it gives the couple a choice in choosing their baby's preferred gender. Opponents however, question the morality of such a practice.
Gender selection is not allowed in Assisted Reproductive Techinques in Singapore. Here, we will discuss some natural gender selection techniques. However, it must be noted that these methods are never 100 per cent effective and have never been scientifically proven.
How is your baby’s sex determined?
 A baby is conceived from the fertilisation of a sperm and an egg. The egg can only carry a X chromosome while a sperm can possess either a X or Y chromosome from the father. If a X-carrying sperm fertilises the egg, a baby girl (XX) will be conceived and if a Y-carrying sperm fertilises the egg, a baby boy (XY) will be conceived. Therefore, it is evident that the father ‘influences’ the gender of his offspring.
Scientific basis for gender selection
One of the theories suggested is that the sperm with the Y chromosome, known as the androsperm (resulting in a male offspring), is tiny and fragile but moves very quickly. On the other hand, the sperm with the X chromosome, known as the gynosperm (resulting in a female offspring), is larger and hardier with a longer lifespan, but moves rather sluggishly.
Therefore, the male sperm moves to meet the egg at a faster rate than the female sperm. However, the male sperm has a shorter lifespan and can not survive for long in an acidic vaginal environment.
Gender selection options — natural methods
1. Shettles method (male offspring)
Time the intercourse to as close to ovulation as possible — preferably within 24 hours before ovulation. There should be a period of abstinence of about 3–4 days in order to maximise the number of male sperms produced.
Penetration at the moment of ejaculation should be as deep as possible, e.g. via rear entry. This ensures that the sperms are deposited above the neck of the cervix where the vaginal environment is more alkaline and thus, more favourable for the survival of the male sperms. This increases the chances of the male sperms reaching the egg faster than the female sperms.
2. Shettles method (female offspring)
The converse to the above holds true in this case. Timing the intercourse two days prior to ovulation will ensure that only the female sperms survive till fertilisation.
Shallow penetration, e.g. man-on-top will ensure that the sperms are deposited at the mouth of the cervix. This favours the survival of the female sperms. Some have advocated avoiding a female orgasm as this keeps the vaginal environment highly acidic.
Gender selection kits
Many gender selection kits are now available and can be found on the Internet. However, they can be costly. They aim to help guide the couples to choose the gender of their baby over one ovulatory cycle, by providing detailed instructions. Most kits are based on the Shettles method and comprise various ovulation predictor test sticks aided by application of a vaginal douche to help make the environment suitable for either a male or female sperm to fertilise the egg.
Myths
As in all things, various myths do exist and have no scientific basis at all, other than being handed down from generations within the family. These myths are related to the choice of diet, sleeping positions, having intercourse on certain calendar days and for either partner to reach an orgasm first. These are useless with regard to gender selection and should be read purely for the sake of interest.
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" The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth". A Pregnancy Book written by Dr. Tan Thiam Chye, Dr. Tan Kim Teng, Dr. Tan Heng Hao, Assoc Prof John Tee Chee Seng. KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
* Available at all major book stores and Pharmacy in KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
Ref: X08
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