Scientists have long been aware that sperm carrying the X chromosome result in female offspring, and sperm carrying the Y chromosome result in male offspring. Since the early 70’s several procedures have been developed, with varying success, in attempts to tip the scale from a 50/50 X/Y ratio toward an enriched X- or Y-bearing population of sperm to be used for IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF. In 1975, Ronald Ericsson, Ph.D. published clinical studies demonstrating that his patented sperm preparation method can be used to increase the likelihood of the desired gender.
RSC is happy to offer Ericsson’s Albumin method for gender selection. We recognize that there are couples who wish to increase their odds of conceiving a child of a specific gender. Although there are several means to achieve this goal, including pre- implantation genetic diagnosis, we have chosen to offer a method that has a high degree of the desired outcome with minimal risk to the sperm and no risk to the embryo. The Ericsson Method of gender selection may be more preferable to many families and medical ethicists because it sidesteps the issue of creating embryos that may be discarded simply because they were not of the desired gender. RSC embryologists have trained with Dr. Ericsson in order to perform this method with strict adherence to his patented protocols. Dr. Ericsson’s published success rates using this method demonstrate approximately a 70% chance of conceiving with the desired gender when pregnancy occurs.
How Does Sperm Sorting Work?
This method involves exposing the sperm to discontinuous albumin gradients on small columns. Sperm exhibiting a higher degree of linear swimming velocity are pooled, concentrated by centrifugation and used for insemination. The procedure takes approximately four hours and results in a population of gender-selected highly motile sperm which can be used for either IUI or to create an embryo through in vitro fertilization (IVF). There is significant loss of sperm in this procedure, so not all semen specimens will be adequate for use with this sperm preparation method. Your doctor will recommend a semen analysis before proceeding with sperm sorting to ensure there are adequate numbers of sperm in your sample.
Is Sperm Sorting Safe?
Published data by Dr. Ericsson and his colleagues indicate that a pregnancy resulting from insemination using sperm isolation is not different from one achieved naturally. The likelihood of miscarriage is the same as it is for pregnancy resulting from natural conception. The Ericsson Method is currently offered by approximately 50 centers within and outside of the United States. Thousands of healthy babies have been born using this method, according to Dr. Ericsson's studies.
What Are My Chances of Conceiving?
Your individual chance of conceiving using this method depends on age, the quality of the sperm and eggs, and the health of the uterus and tubes. Success with insemination may range from 5% to 25% in most infertile patients and with IVF 15 to 85%.
PRODCEDURES FOR CHOOSING GENDER
If you are hoping to conceive with a male child, your physician will recommend you undergo a natural cycle with insemination or IVF. If you are hoping for a female child, it will be recommended that you use Clomid or gonadotropin injections with insemination.
Given our academic and scientific approach to patient care at RSC, your outcome data will be pooled with other patients (anonymously) to provide continuous feedback to patients who choose this method here at RSC. We are committed to providing, you, our patient, with accurate and reliable information to help you in your quest to become a family.
How Much Does This Procedure Cost and How Do I Get Started?
In order to participate in RSC’s gender-selection program it is important that you review the procedures and keep the following important points in mind:
- RSC requires written authorization by your physician (for patients of RSC physicians as well as physicians from other practices) in order to perform gender selection procedure using sperm sorting.
- A semen analysis performed at RSC’s andrology laboratory is required before the procedure can be performed to ensure there are adequate numbers of sperm in the sample.
- This process takes approximately four hours once our lab receives the sample from the patient.
- The cost for this procedure is $1000 for sperm preparation for RSC patients.
- For patients who wish to use RSC’s service but are not RSC patients, there is an additional $275 consulting fee. This consult ensures that the patient is fully informed of the policies, potential risks and likely outcomes of this procedure. *
