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Gender Selection, also known as sex selection or family balancing, as an infertility treatment, refers to the the selection of an offspring's sex before implantation of the embryo into the womb via in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Some couples prefer to choose the gender of their offspring for a variety of reasons. A couple may opt for gender selection to avoid a “sex linked” genetic disease, such as Hemophilia. While another couple may desire to choose the sex of their baby to balance with the gender of their already existent offspring. There are two methods of gender selection used today, sperm sorting, also known as Microsort technology, and Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Microsort is a method that enables the separation of X Chromosome sperm from Y Chromosome sperm, which can then be used in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Flow cytometry, the technique used to analyze and sort spermatozoa, relies on the DNA difference between the X and the Y Chromosomes. Before flow cytometric sorting is acutally applied, semen is tagged with a fluorescent dye that binds to the DNA of each spermatozoon. The larger “female” X chromosome bearing more DNA than the “male” Y chromosome will absorb more dye than it’s Y Chromosome counterpart, causing the sperm with the X Chromosomes to flouresce more brightly than the sperm with the Y Chromosomes. The flow cytometer will then detect the difference in brightness between the X and Y Chromosomes and separate them as they move through the machine. PGD, also known as embryo screening and PGS (preimplantation genetic screening), is the only other method of gender selection that has been proven effective. In the past PGD was most commonly used for diagnosis of a genetic disease in early embryos prior to implantation and pregancy, and more recently it has been used for testing for common chromosome abnormalities. IVF with PGD refers to embryos resulting from an in-vitro fertilization cycle that are genetically screened for X or Y Chromosomes. The embryos of the desired sex are then implanted. Success rates for both methods of gender selection vary. Scientists claim that sperm sorting success rates for girls are higher than for boys, while PGD is at least 95% effective for both genders. Legality Although gender selection is legal in many countries, it still remains a controversial issue all over the world. Some countries, such as the UK, Australia and Canada, only allow sex selection if the offspring is in danger of a sex-linked genetic disorder. In other countries, such as India and China, where even determining the sex of a fetus prior to birth is illegal, gender selection of any sort is also illegal. Yet, despite the limited availability and expense of sex selection procedures, its poularity is growing. In countries where gender selection is legal, cost is still an issue. In the United States, IVF with PGD can cost up to $19,000, which is why many Americans find themselves seeking fertility treatment in places like Mexico, Costa Rica and other nearby countries. Some European countries, such as Germany and Italy have banned embryo freezing, egg donation and even embryo screening for genetic diseases, compelling couples to travel to countries where these treatments are legal, at least for medical reasons, such as the UK, Belgium and Spain. Gender selection in the Islamic world remains controversial as well. In the abscence of a clear text on the issue of gender selection, some modern scholars have been compelled to accept gender selection as being religiously permissable. However, in some countries where gender selection has turned into gender discrimination, gender selection technologies are completely banned. This leaves barren couples who want to have a child and as well as select the gender of that child, for whatever reason, with no other choice but to cross borders to muslim or non-muslim countries where it is legal to carry-out such methods of assisted reproductive technology or forfeit their chance of having a child. We, at VisitandCare.com hope to assist couples or individuals from all over the world find treatment in countries where such methods are not a major bioethical concern and costs are affordable. Coping with infertility: We understand that anticipating the results of IVF can be grueling and stressful on couples, and the possibility of an unsuccessful outcome can be overwhelming. In spite of this, it is important that couples maintain a healthy and clear psyche. Plenty of rest and avoiding stress are highly recommended before, during and after your trip. Keep in mind that you are traveling, which can add more stress on the body. Drink lots of water and try to obtain ample Vitamin D from the sun and fresh air to conquer jetlag. Choose Visit and Care: Why should you go through the hassle of dealing with several different parties to make reservations and appointments with a doctor when we can handle all of that for you without it costing you a penny more than what you would pay if you were to do everything yourself directly. What is our incentive? We get paid by hospitals and clinics when we refer customers to them. In our agreement with the hospitals and clinics we work with, it states that our customers will not be charged any extra fee by a hospital or clinic, in order to compensate for our fees to them. So, if a procedure costs you 500 dollars when you arrange it through the hospital directly, it will also cost you 500 dollars when you arrange it through Visit and Care. Our goal is to connect our customers to top English-speaking medical professionals in their destination of choice. If you have any inquiries or would like to learn about a procedure that is not listed on our website, please feel free to contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will return to you with an answer as soon as possible. Our service and benefits include: • Assistance in communicating with top medical professionals about your medical condition, before and after your procedure. • Assistance booking hotels at discounted rates • Optional airport pick-up and drop-off arrangements • Optional tours around your destination city • 24-hour, 365-day contact with us in case of any unforeseen emergencies or difficulties. Even though you are away from home, as a Visit and Care customer, you are never alone. |
Infertility Treatment Centers
The Colombian Center for Fertility and Sterility - Bogota / Colombia
The globally recognized Colombian Center for Fertility and Sterility (CECOLFES) offers couples the opportunity to identify and solve the problems encountered in having children.
Languages : English, Spanish
Jinemed Hospital - ISTANBUL / Turkey
Jinemed Medical Center was founded in 1989 by Prof. Dr. Teksen Camlibel as a private clinic specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Languages : English, German, Turkish
Cyprus IVF Center - FAMAGUSTA / Cyprus
CYPRUS IVF CENTER (CIC) was set up on the 22nd April 2005. We are proud to be affiliated with German Hospital IVF Center in Istanbul, established in 1996.
Languages : English, French
UKCFA - London / United Kingdom
This clinic is for UK women who want to begin receiving treatment in their home country.
Languages : English
