Can i choose the gender of my baby with ivf ?

Yes, it is possible to choose the gender of your baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a technique called Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS). During IVF, embryos are created outside of the body using eggs and sperm, and then tested for gender using PGD/PGS. This technique involves removing a single cell from each embryo and testing it for gender using genetic analysis. Once the gender is determined, only embryos of the desired gender are selected for implantation in the uterus. However, it is important to note that gender selection for non-medical reasons is not legal in all countries and is subject to regulations and ethical considerations. Additionally, the use of PGD/PGS is associated with some risks, including the possibility of misdiagnosis or the introduction of genetic mutations during the testing process. It is therefore important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of gender selection with a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision. Is doing PGD ethically acceptable in India ? The ethical acceptability of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in India is a subject of debate and discussion. In India, the use of PGD is not prohibited, but there are some ethical and legal concerns that need to be considered before using this technology. On the one hand, PGD can help couples who are carriers of genetic disorders to conceive healthy children by selecting embryos without the genetic mutation. This can reduce the risk of passing on the genetic disorder to their offspring. On the other hand, some argue that PGD could be used for non-medical reasons, such as gender selection, which raises ethical concerns. In India, the use of PGD is regulated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, which require that PGD is only used for medical reasons and not for non-medical reasons such as gender selection. The guidelines also require that PGD is only performed by qualified medical professionals and that the procedure is explained to the patients in detail so that they can make an informed decision. Overall, the ethical acceptability of PGD in India depends on how it is used and whether it is done in accordance with the ethical and legal guidelines. It is important for individuals and couples to discuss the potential benefits and risks of PGD with qualified healthcare professionals before making a decision. How is Pre- implantation Genetic Diagnosis done ? Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before they are implanted in the uterus. The PGD procedure involves several steps: Stimulation of ovaries: The woman undergoing IVF is given fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Egg retrieval: The eggs are then retrieved from the woman's ovaries using a needle guided by ultrasound. Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish, creating multiple embryos. Embryo biopsy: On day 3 to 5 after fertilization, a small number of cells are removed from each embryo for genetic testing. This is usually done using a technique called blastomere biopsy, in which one or two cells are removed from the embryo using a micropipette. Genetic testing: The removed cells are then analyzed using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. Embryo selection: After genetic testing, only the embryos without the genetic disorder or chromosomal abnormality are selected for transfer to the woman's uterus. Embryo transfer: The selected embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus using a thin catheter, and any remaining embryos may be frozen for future use. It is important to note that PGD is associated with some risks, including the possibility of misdiagnosis or the introduction of genetic mutations during the testing process. It is therefore important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of PGD with a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision.