How Genetic Testing Enhances Family Balancing

The procedure of family balancing is usually preferred by families who already have children of one gender and wish to have a child of the opposite gender. For example, a family with two sons might wish for a daughter, or a family with only daughters might wish for a son. Although gender selection is a controversial topic in certain cultures, it is also highly regulated and therefore accessible in a responsible way for parents who wish to pursue it.

It is very important to note that gender selection is not about having a preference for one gender over another, but rather about parents being able to create the desired structure for their family.

Family balancing through genetic testing involves assisted reproduction, as the couple needs to undergo IVF before being able to genetically test their embryos. The main steps of the process are the following:

• IVF Cycle: After a series of tests for both partners, the female partner’s ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs, which, once mature, will be retrieved and fertilized in the lab using the male partner’s sperm, forming embryos.
• Embryo Biopsy: Once the embryos have reached the blastocyst stage (day 5 in culture), they are tested using Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A). This method allows the DNA of the embryos to be tested for genetic abnormalities while also detecting the gender chromosomes.
• Gender Selection: Once the gender of the embryos has been determined, the couple may decide to transfer the embryo of their chosen gender.

One very important thing to emphasize is that “gender selection” doesn’t mean one gets to decide what gender their embryos should be. In other words, one can’t simply “decide” to produce male embryos. Gender selection helps choose a preferred gender from the pool of embryos one has. PGT-A testing doesn’t predict the gender outcome of the embryos created.

Also Read – What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and How Does It Work?

There are several benefits for couples who decide to undergo gender selection:

• Higher Live Birth Success Rates: By testing the embryos for abnormalities and potential genetic issues, we ensure that only the healthiest embryos, giving the highest chance of a healthy pregnancy, are transferred to the uterus.
• Peace of Mind: When a couple has a specific family structure in mind, knowing the gender of the embryo before implantation can bring them peace of mind and helps them prepare for the baby to come.
• Prevention of Genetic Disorders: By choosing a healthy embryo, the risk of genetic disorders is much reduced, and so is the risk of miscarriage. It is known that the highest percentage of early pregnancy losses are due to chromosomal abnormalities.
• Avoiding Multiple Pregnancies: When transferring untested embryos, clinics sometimes decide to transfer more than one embryo to ensure at least one healthy one implants. The problem is that more than one may implant, increasing the risk of twins, which can carry a high risk for both mothers and babies.

If you are considering family balancing with one of our ART fertility clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, the first step is to book a consultation with one of our specialists, at the clinic of your choice.

Your doctor will discuss your family history, the reason why you are considering gender selection, and will have both you and your partner thoroughly assessed to make sure you meet the health criteria for IVF.

A meeting with our genetic counselor will help you understand how genetic testing works, what the potential risks and benefits are, and will guide you through the decision-making process.

Once all is clear, you will start the IVF cycle under the supervision of our teams who will accompany you all along the way.

Book your appointment now and let’s help you create the family of your dreams!

Also Read – Ethical Considerations Around Family Balancing: What You Should Know