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Our blog / Updates
18 May 2025

Sex Selection with IVF/ICSI - Beyond IVF

18 May 2025
Updates

Can you select sex with IVF/ICSI?

In Thailand it is illegal to choose your child’s sex, but chromosomal testing of embryos (next generation sequencing or NGS) before transfer will reveal an embryo’s sex. Chromosomal testing not only reveals abnormalities or indicates health of the embryo, it also reveals if the embryo has XX (female) chromosomes or XY (male) chromosomes. We recommend screening all 23 pairs of chromosomes rather than focusing on the sex of the embryo.

Sex selection can be important if a parent might pass on certain genetic conditions that can only occur in one sex, such as anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, G6PD deficiency, certain types of Down syndrome, sex-linked ichthyosis, etc. If any blood relatives (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles) have any of these conditions, a male child may inherit it, but not likely a female child. Thus, sex selection may play a role in family planning for some.

Medically speaking, after IVF/ICSI, the embryo will undergo NGS before the suitable one is transferred into the uterus.

What is next generation sequencing (NGS)?

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) looks at all 23 pairs of chromosomes in the embryo to check for any abnormalities, such as any missing or extra chromosomes. This helps detect any genetic abnormalities, especially if there are risk factors (genetic conditions) in the parents or their families. NGS helps the doctor choose the best embryo for transfer, preventing failed implantation or early miscarriage. NGS tests all 23 pairs of chromosomes and is highly accurate, with the lowest false positive rate of any currently available technique. NGS also reveals the sex of the embryo.

So while IVF and ICSI can reveal the sex of the embryo, your baby’s sex cannot be selected 100% of the time as many other factors go into the decision of which embryo to transfer. Your doctor will recommend that you choose to transfer the healthiest embryo rather than select by sex, which is, as stated above, illegal.
If you have any questions or concerns, please walk in to Beyond IVF for a consultation or add us on Line at @beyondivf.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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