Gender Selection at Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center
At Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center, our dedication to advancing fertility care includes providing gender selection services through scientific, evidence-based methods. Gender selection—also referred to as “sex selection”—involves determining an embryo’s sex prior to implantation during an IVF cycle. Although this option offers unique advantages for certain families, it also carries ethical and legal considerations that vary from one country to the next. Below, we provide a detailed overview of how gender selection is performed, why some UK-based patients consider it, and how our approach prioritizes the highest standards of care, transparency, and patient well-being.
What Is Gender Selection and Who Benefits From It?
Gender selection is a specialized technique that identifies whether an embryo is genetically male or female before it is transferred into the uterus. This is achieved only through assisted reproductive technologies—namely IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) combined with genetic testing, such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT).
- Families at Risk of Sex-Linked Genetic Disorders
- Certain genetic diseases, such as hemophilia and fragile-X syndrome, are carried on sex chromosomes (X or Y). By determining an embryo’s sex before transfer, intended parents reduce the chance of passing on these conditions.
- Specific Medical Indications
- In some cases, local laws permit gender selection when it helps prevent serious medical complications.
- Family Balancing
- Some parents may wish to balance the genders of their children, a practice sometimes referred to as “family balancing.” Although its legality varies worldwide, this is an option many UK patients explore when seeking IVF abroad.
Global and UK Context
According to data from the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), an increasing number of individuals face fertility challenges, with approximately 1 in 7 couples requiring medical assistance to conceive. While gender selection remains restricted or unavailable in certain regions, patients may lawfully pursue treatment in jurisdictions—such as Northern Cyprus—where IVF clinics offer this service under regulated protocols. As with any medical procedure, it is imperative to understand ethical guidelines, existing legislation, and professional standards before proceeding.
Patient-Centered Approach
Our center organizes a completely personalized treatment program for each patient in Gender Selection. For this reason, our success rates are high.
Always Contact
Our patients can contact us at any time during the Gender Selection treatment and ask any questions they may have.
Correct Treatment
Our patients only receive the Gender Selection treatment they need. This way, they never lose any unnecessary time or money.
Scientific Foundations of Gender Selection
The Role of IVF and Genetic Testing
Gender selection is not feasible through natural conception; it requires the combination of IVF and genetic diagnostics. During IVF, the eggs (oocytes) and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory to form embryos. Once embryos reach an appropriate stage (Day 3 or Day 5), a small biopsy is taken for genetic analysis. Two main technologies facilitate accurate sex determination:
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)
- Allows the identification of specific chromosomes (13, 18, 21, X, and Y).
- Detects serious chromosomal anomalies, along with determining whether the embryo is genetically male or female.
- Generally performed on Day 3 embryos, providing relatively quick results and cost-effective testing.
NGS (Next Generation Sequencing)
- Examines all 23 pairs of chromosomes, delivering a comprehensive genetic profile of each embryo.
- Highly sensitive, it identifies both numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities.
- Embryo sex is determined with an accuracy rate of around 99.9%.
- Typically involves testing at the blastocyst stage (Day 5), and results become available within 3–4 weeks.
Why Non-Medical Methods Are Unreliable
Various folklore or home-based “techniques” have been proposed for gender selection—ranging from dietary regimens to timing intercourse. These approaches lack scientific validation and yield no clinically reliable outcomes. In contrast, IVF with PGT offers a definitive means to determine an embryo’s sex, minimizing uncertainty.
Our Gender Selection Process at Vita Altera
Initial Consultation and Ovarian Stimulation
- We begin by assessing your fertility health, including ovarian reserve tests, hormone profiles, and any genetic considerations.
- Patients from the UK can opt for video or phone consultations for convenience.
- Once approved, ovarian stimulation commences, spanning 10–14 days. We tailor hormone protocols to maximize egg quality while monitoring progress via ultrasound scans and blood tests.
Egg Retrieval and Fertilization
- When the follicles achieve suitable maturity, egg retrieval occurs under mild sedation.
- Mature eggs are combined with your partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm in the laboratory, typically via Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Our embryologists closely oversee embryo development in optimal culture conditions.
Embryo Biopsy and Genetic Testing (PGD or NGS)
- On Day 3 or Day 5 (blastocyst stage), a small biopsy is taken from each viable embryo.
- An advanced genetic analysis (PGD or NGS) determines both chromosomal health and embryo sex, with accuracy levels approaching 99.9%.
Embryo Transfer
- Following the genetic test results—which may take 1 day (PGD) or up to 3–4 weeks (NGS)—we plan the embryo transfer.
- Only embryos that meet health criteria (and, if requested, the desired gender) are placed into the uterus via a thin catheter.
- A pregnancy test (beta-hCG) is scheduled roughly 12 days post-transfer to confirm implantation.
Freezing Additional Embryos
- Any remaining healthy embryos not transferred are frozen via vitrification, enabling future attempts without repeated stimulation.
Legal and Ethical Guidance
- Our team remains abreast of international regulations, ensuring all procedures align with legal frameworks. We thoroughly discuss ethical implications and help you navigate relevant UK legalities if you plan to return home with a child conceived via gender selection.
Why Choose Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center?
Advanced Laboratory Facilities
- Our IVF unit is equipped with leading-edge technology, ensuring meticulous handling of gametes and embryos.
- We adhere to rigorous quality control measures to maintain high success rates.
Personalized Support for UK Patients
- We recognize that traveling overseas for fertility care can be complex. Our dedicated international department assists with travel logistics, accommodation, and scheduling to minimize disruptions.
Comprehensive Genetic Testing
- From PGD to NGS, we offer multiple testing pathways, tailoring each plan to your individual goals and medical background.
- Our genetic experts continually refine protocols to deliver accurate, up-to-date results.
Transparent Cost and Planning
- We emphasize clarity regarding treatment fees, potential add-on costs, and realistic timelines.
- By consulting directly with our team, you will receive a detailed breakdown of the entire process—from embryo creation through to embryo transfer.
Ethical Best Practices
- Gender selection can be a sensitive area, subject to debate and differing global regulations. We operate under a framework that respects patient autonomy, local laws, and evidence-based medicine.
Cost Considerations
Prices for gender selection vary based on multiple factors, including:
- Number of IVF cycles required.
- Choice of PGD or NGS technology.
- Additional screenings or medications.
- Any underlying medical conditions needing treatment (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometriosis).
We promote full transparency about costs. By consulting with us or completing our online contact form, you can receive an individualized estimate, ensuring no surprise fees arise later.
Visit Cyprus Ivf Center for More Information
If you have questions about gender selection, legal pathways, or ethical considerations, our specialists are on hand to guide you. We have helped numerous patients from the UK achieve successful pregnancies through gender selection and comprehensive IVF treatments.
Contact Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center today to explore how our advanced reproductive services can support your family-building goals.
Our Treatment Process
Whether you’re considering surrogacy due to medical constraints—or simply exploring alternative paths to parenthood—surrogacy remains a reliable, research-backed choice. Connect with us today for specialized insights and unwavering support.
Detailed Consultation & Ovarian Stimulation
IVF & Genetic Testing
Embryo Transfer & Follow-Up
FAQ About Cyprus Gender Selection
There are many questions about the service, we have selected frequently asked questions about this service. If you do not see your answer, please contact us.