Pre-conception alternative sex selection methods for non-medical reasons: bibliographic review

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the various pre-conception alternative sex selection methods available, explain the scientific basis of the various sex selection methods and assess the factors influencing sex selection

Methods: I electronically searched various databases including; google scholar, PubMed, research gate and tandfonline and reviewed  studies and reports written in English up to October 2022 from around the globe. The key words used in the search included; 'sex  selection methods', 'pre-conception', 'nonmedical reasons', 'gender selection'. The  findings were comprehensively compiled with  respect to the type of method, time of use i.e. pre-conception, possible mechanism of  action, merits and demerits of the method, success  rate and general applicability for non-medical reasons.

Results: Following the electronic search 42 articles were found to have mentioned the key words including 'sex selection methods', 'pre-  conception', 'non-medical reasons', 'gender selection'. The articles were reviewed and those found relevant to the study were included  in  this review. The alternative sex selection methods identified were either administered naturally (Whelan Method, Billings Ovulation   Method, pre-conception diet, and gender selection kits such as GenSelect and Smart Stork, which rely on timing of intercourse, the   vaginal environment, a selective diet and nutraceuticals) or artificially administered (sperm sorting or Ericsson’s method, Microsort,   Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Urobiologics PreGender test). 

Conclusion: Given the desire by couples to select the sex of their   offspring, there is a need to explore alternative sex selection methods through rigorous scientific process and regulate the process of  sex  selection for non-medical reasons.