The journey to parenthood often involves making decisions about what’s best for your family. One question that arises for many is whether it’s possible to choose the gender of their baby through IVF. With advances in reproductive technology, gender selection has become an option for families under specific circumstances. This is where Genetic testing in Kenya comes in, offering solutions for family balancing and screening for genetic disorders.
 

How Does IVF Work?


In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are monitored for several days, and the healthiest ones are transferred to the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
 

During the IVF process, embryos can undergo genetic testing to identify chromosomal abnormalities and even determine their gender. This testing is known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and is a critical step in helping families achieve specific goals, such as family balancing.
 

How Can IVF Determine Gender?


Gender selection is possible during the IVF process through PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy). Here’s how it works:
 

  1. Embryo Creation: During IVF, eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos. These embryos are then cultured in the lab for several days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
     

  2. Embryo Biopsy: At this stage, a few cells are safely removed from each embryo for genetic testing. The embryos remain unharmed, and the testing focuses on the removed cells.
     

  3. Genetic Testing: The cells are analyzed to screen for chromosomal abnormalities and identify whether the embryo has XX (female) or XY (male) chromosomes. This allows specialists to determine the gender of each embryo.
     

  4. Embryo Selection and Transfer: Once the testing is complete, embryos of the desired gender can be selected for transfer into the uterus. This ensures the family’s preference for gender while maintaining the health and viability of the embryo.
     

Is Gender Selection Ethical?


The ethics of gender selection vary depending on cultural, legal, and personal perspectives. Many fertility clinics and countries limit gender selection to medical purposes, such as preventing genetic disorders. It’s important to have open and honest discussions with your fertility specialist about your reasons and goals for gender selection.
 

Why Genetic Testing Matters?


Genetic testing goes beyond gender selection. It plays a vital role in ensuring the health of the embryos and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. PGT can detect:
 

  • Chromosomal abnormalities that may lead to miscarriage.
     

  • Genetic conditions like Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
     

  • Gender-linked disorders that may affect the health of the baby.
     

By identifying healthy embryos, genetic testing can improve IVF success rates and provide peace of mind for parents.
 

Why Choose Fertility Point for Gender Selection?


Fertility Point is a leader in advanced fertility treatments, offering genetic testing in Kenya to help families achieve their dreams. Our experienced specialists use cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate results and compassionate care throughout your journey. Whether you’re exploring gender selection, family balancing, or genetic screening, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
 

If you’re curious about gender selection, genetic testing, or family balancing, reach out to our team to learn more about your options. Together, we’ll help you take the next step toward building the family you’ve always dreamed of.