It is possible to choose the sex of your baby, with greater odds than ever before...
What is Gender Selection?
It is the desire to choose the sex of your next baby before you conceive. Gender Selection can mean so many things from having sperm separated, dyed, artificially inseminated, radical diets, to the timing and position of intercourse to increase the chances of conceiving a baby of your preferred sex.
Or it can mean, having intercourse on the specific day when the conditions within the reproductive tract favour the conception of a baby of your preferred gender, and combining the most reliable natural techniques to ensure you have given it your best shot.
When you use one method or technique alone you are limiting your chances of success as that one method may not be right for you, here at Smart Stork we recommend you follow at least three or four of the techniques provided for your greatest chance of success.
We believe that the pH of the follicular fluid alternates between acidic and alkaline every couple of days, which is what plays a major factor in which sperm will be successful in penetrating the egg, that coupled with ensuring the males sperm, cervical mucus and reproductive tract are all conducive to the conception of your preferred sex ~ will help to increase your chances of success way beyond 50/50.
The Great Gender Selection Myth " The sole determining factor in the gender of your baby is the males sperm " - This myth has been around for centuries, it is taught in our schools and is widely believed by millions of people. - It is not true
The Secret to Gender Selection Revealed
While it is true that the males' sperm contains the chromosomes responsible for your babys' gender. It is, we believe the condition of the womans' cervical mucus, reproductive tract and follicular fluid that determines which of the two types of sperm will successfully reach and fertilise the egg at the time of conception.
We believe that when a womans' follicular fluid contains acidic fractions, the female producing sperm can move through the fluid with ease increasing the chances of successfully penetrating the ovum, and alternatively when a womans' follicular fluid contains alkaline fractions, the male producing sperm can move through the fluid with ease increasing the chances of successfully penetrating the ovum. Thus making gender selection a whole lot easier to control, with a higher accuracy rate than ever before, by following all of the advice given here the only thing you need to know is when your conditions favour the conception of a baby boy and when they favour the conception of a baby girl.
The Smart Stork System
The Smart Stork methods of Gender Selection are safe, natural, and inexpensive. Our method has been developed as a result of years of interest in conception, pregnancy, biology, biochemistry, microbiology and scientific studies that have been performed in relation to gender selection.
Fertilisation, sperm penetration of the ovum, and the factors that influence the outcome, of either male sperm penetration or female sperm penetration have been studied extensively and mathematical calculations have been performed based on hundreds of womens birth and conception details, which has enabled us to develop our computer program which can determine exactly when a woman can conceive either sex baby at any given ovulation time, provided she is otherwise healthy and has a reasonable previous pregnancy history.
Our recommendations come from the best of the best gender selection methods combined with our own theory, and so by using a combination of at least 3 or 4 techniques we believe you will 'cover all bases' so to speak and you will have the best possible chance of success.
Gender Selection Methods under the microscope Natural Gender Selection Methods
Some natural gender selection methods are based on the observation that a conception attempt relative to ovulation is more likely to result in the conception of a specific sex. Attempts to time conception for a specific sex relative to ovulation have been made by measuring hormonal levels, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus observations.
Other natural methods include diets or supplements, frequency and positions of intercourse, vaginal douching, etc. These methods are commonly used throughout the world, however their effectiveness have not been well documented.
We will look at timing, positions and frequency of intercourse, which is the basis of the Shettles method, the Whelan method and the Preconception Diet method, and the basis of their advice.
The Basics
Extensive research has been carried out on the timing, positions and frequency of intercourse for gender selection with claims of between 75% to 80% success.
Timing intercourse for gender selection is based on the life and mobility of sperm, it has been recognised that the androsperm, (male producing sperm) are stronger and faster but do not survive for very long. Gynosperm, (female producing sperm) on the other hand are slower but have greater staying power, consequently a longer life span.
Intercourse position is also based on the mobility of sperm, with shallow penetration (missionary position) favouring the conception of a baby girl, with deep penetration (rear entry) favouring the conception of a baby boy.
Frequency of intercourse for gender selection is based on the theory that a low sperm count is favourable for the conception of a baby girl, with the idea that the least amount of sperm present, the higher the likelihood that gynosperm will fertilise the egg, provided that intercourse occurs at least three days prior to ovulation.
Androsperm (male producing sperm) are more likely to successfully fertilize the egg when the males sperm count is high, assuming that intercourse takes place immediately prior to ovulation
The Shettles Method
A well known method of gender selection has been developed by Dr L. B. Shettles, M.D., Ph.D. In 1989 he published the revised edition of "How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby," Dr Shettles theory is based on years of research in which he was able to determine scientific evidence as such
1. The Y bearing sperm or androsperm (male producing) are smaller and faster but have a shorter life span, and when the womans reproductive tract is alkaline the conditions are more favourable for male sperm penetration of the ovum.
2. The X bearing sperm or gynosperm (female producing) are larger and slower but are more resistant and have a longer life span, and when the womans reproductive tract is acidic the conditions are more favourable for female sperm penetration of the ovum.
The Shettles method is mainly based on the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation. His theory is that Y bearing sperm (male producing) are lighter and faster swimmers but less "hardy" than X bearing sperm (female producing) and therefore to conceive a boy or a girl one must adhere to certain guidelines:
To conceive a boy, ovulation prediction kits should be used twice daily. When the "LH surge" is recognised, ovulation will occur within about 24 hours. With one intercourse attempt on the day after the 'LH surge', using a position that favours deeper penetration. Female orgasm is recommended prior to male ejaculation. Dr Shettles states this increases the alkalinity of the vagina, improving the mobility of the sperm through the cervical mucus. Abstinence for 3-4 days before the timed intercourse is crucial to this method
To conceive a girl, no abstinence is required from the start of the cycle and intercourse should occur on the 3rd day prior to her next ovulation, this being the last conception attempt. This 3-day 'cut off' cannot be determined with an ovulation predictor kit. Instead, the woman needs to know when she usually ovulates and must count back from the next expected ovulation. The woman should avoid orgasm, and the missionary position is preferred.
This method - under scrutiny
Dr. Shettles claimed a 75% success rate for the conception girls and an 80% success rate for the conception of boys. Unfortunately, recently published data implies that this method may be no better than Mother Nature at conceiving the preferred gender.
In 1984, the World Health Organization published a study that failed to confirm gender predominance when timing conception relative to ovulation.
A 1992 New Zealand study also failed to confirm Dr Shettles theory.
In 1995 an English study failed to find any link with timed intercourse relative to ovulation in gender selection.
In 1997 an Israel study on preselection methods concluded that the timing method played no significant part in gender selection.
Gray RH. from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore states that the statistics from 6 studies concluded that fewer males were conceived at the time of a womans most fertile period which is in direct conflict to Dr Shettles method.
Dr Felix Unterburger had made observations with respect to alkalinity and acidity and gender predetermination. Women recommended to use an alkaline douche (for overcoming fertility problems) conceived a higher than usual number of boys. Other Doctors followed up on Dr Unterburgers' findings with similar results, an alkaline environment is preferential to male sperm penetration of the ovum and an acidic environment is preferential to female sperm penetration of the ovum.
Where Dr Shettles method fails is the pH factor of the reproductive tract and subsequent chemistry around the ovum at the time of ovulation. He states that the reproductive tract is always alkaline at the time of ovulation, and acidic at all other times, which would result in a much higher % of male births than has been recorded in history. For every 100 females born there are approximately 106 males.
We believe the pH of the cervical mucus, reproductive tract, and follicular fluid must be taken into account and with every month at the time of ovulation, the conditions will be right for either conception of a boy or a girl, not both. It is how Mother Nature has been able to ensure a reasonably equal number of male and female babies are produced each year. Timing your conception attempt cannot change the acidity or alkalinity of the follicular fluid within the reproductive tract (even with orgasm) and so cannot change which sex will be conceived if your ovum is fertilized.
When a woman who is trying to conceive a baby boy and times her conception attempt as close to ovulation as possible, her success will depend upon the pH of the reproductive tract at the time her ovum is released. If it is alkaline she will be successful, however if it is acidic she will probably conceive a baby girl. If she uses an alkaline douche she is decreasing the possibility of failure, as the alkaline douche is favourable for male producing sperm.
Alternatively when a woman is trying to conceive a baby girl and times her conception attempt several days before ovulation, if the pH of the reproductive tract is acidic at the time of ovulation she will be successful, however if it is alkaline she may conceive a baby boy (that is, if any of the Y bearing sperm are still viable). If she uses an acidic douche she is decreasing the possibility of failure, as the douche will immobilise most of the male producing sperm.
The Whelan Method
Elizabeth Whelan, Sc.D., doesn't agree with the Shettles method and suggests the opposite. Whelan says to conceive a boy, have intercourse four to six days before your basal body temperature goes up. To conceive a girl, intercourse should occur two to three days before ovulation. With an accuracy rate of 68% for conceiving boys and 57% for conceiving girls. This book is currently out of print.
This method - under scrutiny
This method is based on the research of Dr Rodrigo Guerrero who conducted studies with both conception via artificial insemination and couples who conceived via intercourse. His findings were that with artificial insemination more boys were conceived at or near the time of ovulation and with intercourse more girls were conceived at or near the time of ovulation. It would indicate that timing intercourse closer to ovulation would give you a 50/50 chance of conceiving the desired sex.
The Preconception Diet Method
Langendoen and Proctor first published 'The Pre-Conception Gender Diet' in 1982, based on results reported by Dr Lorrain and Dr Stolkowski in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1980.
The theory is that by altering your diet to include and exclude certain foods, the conditions in the reproductive tract will be directly affected, increasing the odds of conceiving a particular sex.
This theory is also consistent with the oriental philosophy that everything has a yin or yang quality and the foods supplied in the boy diet, boys, and alkaline are all yang and the foods supplied in the girl diet, girls and acid are all yin.
This method - under scrutiny
Claims of 80% accuracy based on one clinical trial of only 260 women, the results were published in the International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in 1980. The girl diet is high in calcium but low in salt and potassium, containing acid forming foods. The boy diet is high in salt and potassium but low in calcium and magnesium and contains alkali-forming foods.
The diets nutritional content is questionable and contains multiple warnings. It is recommended that you seek the advise of you medical practitioner before going on such a restrictive diet, and stay on the diet for no longer than 3 months. The diet may influence the condition of the cervical mucus and within the reproductive tract and follicular fluid. Enabling only one of the two types of sperm to penetrate the egg depending on which diet is adhered to.
The balance between acid and alkaline in the reproductive tract is very important. It isn't always alkaline, nor is it always acidic. There is a reason for this; If the reproductive tract was always alkaline women would suffer from constant vaginal infections, that thrive in an alkaline environment. If it were always acidic the environment would be too hostile for sperm to live, and a constant acidic environment could lead to fertility problems.
The Lunar Method
The lunar phase method has been a topic of much controversy over the years as it is claimed to have an accuracy rate of 97 - 99%. Dr Jonas developed a method by which the position of the moon played a crucial part in determining the sex of the baby at the time of conception. Whether this cyclic phenomenon could alter the state of a womans reproductive tract has never been scientifically tested and therefore remains an unknown to the sceptical community.
This method - under scrutiny
The downfall with this method is the many biological factors that influence the sex of the baby at the time of conception. The pH of the womans cervical mucus if it is too acidic most of the male sperm will be immobilized, and if too alkaline the chances of ever conceiving a girl would be slim regardless of the phase of the moon. The males sperm count, the hormonal factors too much testosterone for example would also reduce the chances of conceiving a baby girl, and the pH and chemistry of the reproductive tract at the time of intercourse and at ovulation based on a womans diet cannot possibly be influenced by the phases of the moon.
The Smart Stork System
The Smart Stork System of Gender Selection is safe, natural, and inexpensive. Our system has been developed as a result of years of interest in conception, pregnancy, biology, biochemistry, microbiology and scientific studies that have been performed in relation to gender selection.
Fertilisation, sperm penetration of the ovum, and the factors that influence the outcome, of either male sperm penetration or female sperm penetration have been studied extensively and mathematical calculations have been performed based on hundreds of womens birth and conception details, which has enabled us to develop our computer program which can determine exactly when a woman can conceive either sex baby at any given ovulation time, provided she is otherwise healthy and has a reasonable previous pregnancy history.
Our recommendations come from the best of the best gender selection methods combined with our own theory, and so by using a combination of at least 3 or 4 techniques we believe you will 'cover all bases' so to speak and you will have the best possible chance of success.
Artificial insemination and invasive procedures
The majority of the artificial sex selection methods work by separating X and Y bearing sperm and require artificial insemination. We will look at the Ericsson Method, Microsort, and IVF methods.
The Ericsson Method
In 1975, R. J. Ericsson, Ph.D. began clinical studies to determine whether enriched sperm samples would result in offspring of a desired gender. Dr Ericsson created a method by which X and Y sperm can be separated through a filtering process. Semen is run through a human serum albumin separation column and X rich and Y rich samples are collected.
This sperm sample is used for insemination when ovulation is anticipated. The enriched sperm sample is then available to fertilize the egg. He claims 83% accuracy for the conception of boys and 78% accuracy for the conception of girls. After the separation, artificial insemination is performed using the appropriate sample. Normally, this is done quite close to the time of ovulation, and usually it takes couples between 3 and 4 cycles before conception is successful. At a cost of around USD $800 per insemination.
In January 1998, Human Reproduction published an article by Hong Kong researchers who used the Ericsson method. They did DNA studies on the supposed X rich and Y rich samples produced by the separation and found that each sample still contained the original 50% ratio of X bearing to Y bearing sperm.
Many have claimed success at this type of sperm separation, but few have been able to back up their claims with hard data. However, out of 18 couples wanting boys, 14 of the women had boys giving a 77% success rate for this method.
The Microsort Method
The Microsort method is an expensive, invasive approach to gender selection involving the separation of the X sperm from the Y sperm. Normal semen contains about a 50/50 mix of X bearing and Y bearing sperm.
The Microsort method uses a technique known as flow cytometry where seminal fluid is filtered and then forced through a long, thin tube under pressure. At the other end, the tube divides and there is a fluorescence-based switch, designed to direct the larger X sperm one direction, and the smaller Y sperm a different direction. The desired X rich or Y rich sperm sample can then be artificially inseminated.
After the flow cytometry separation, the newly created samples were studied. The X rich sample contained 85% X bearing sperm, and would therefore predict an 85% chance of conceiving a girl. The other sample was found to have only 65% Y bearing sperm, predicting a 65% chance of conceiving a boy. This method costs approximately $2,500 per attempt.
This method begins with a single cell being removed from an 8-cell embryo under the microscope. The cell is then analysed for genetic disorders and/or gender by FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridisation)
The FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) technique utilizes fluorescent probes which are specified for chromosomes. This technique is used for sex determination and for structural chromosomal abnormalities.
PGD allows the doctor to select only the chromosomally normal embryos for embryo transfer, and unfortunately, only half of the original embryos will contain the desired sex, so there is a moral dilemma when this method is used, 'disposal of the unwanted embryos'. Clinical experience is limited and the test is not 100% reliable. Cost is unknown.
Embryo Selection
Once the embryo in the "test tube" has reached a multi-cell state, one of the cells is removed. This cell is then tested for the presence or absence of a Y chromosome. IVF can be carried out with all embryos of a single sex. It is assured that although some embryos will not survive the loss of one cell, the ones that do survive will be unaffected. Unfortunately, only half of the original embryos will contain the desired sex, so there is a moral dilemma when this method is used, the 'disposal of the unwanted embryos'. The success rate if a pregnancy is conceived will be close to 100% for a specific sex child at a cost of aprox $20,000 per attempt.
To try The Smart Stork System for Gender Selection
