In Thailand, it is common for couples to want to have a baby boy. There may be several reasons for this, and often it is because a couple has daughters and would like a son. It is possible to choose the sex of your baby, although it is something that is quite strictly regulated by the Thai government, which is obviously to protect all parties. A member of our team will be able to speak to you about this in more detail on an individual basis.
As the top fertility clinic in Bangkok, we always work within the laws of the Kingdom and medical ethics to ensure that everything is done correctly. We always speak to both parents, together and separately, to ensure that both are entirely comfortable with the decision. Our doctors must be satisfied that it is a joint decision, and only at this point will they agree to commence treatment and explain the process.
How can you select the sex of a baby?
As the sex of a baby is determined by the male’s sperm, the sperm must be sorted into male and female in a process known merely as sperm sorting. Alternatively, it can be done using a technique called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) which also involves IVF treatment. Most parents prefer PGD as it allows them to select which embryos are implanted back in the womb. The process is also used to check for genetic defects as well as selecting if the embryo is male or female.
Why is PGD preferred?
As with everything connected to medical science, the latest techniques are generally the best. PGD is a modern, painless technique which involves removing a few cells from the embryos which have developed in the laboratory. Once the embryos have been checked for genetic disorders and the sex has been determined, healthy embryos, chosen by both the parents and the doctors, can be implanted back in the womb using IVF. It is a process that gives parents peace of mind on several levels.
Why is choosing the sex of a baby becoming more popular?
It would be inaccurate to assume that choosing the sex of a baby is something that only happens in Thailand, it happens globally, and indeed, many couples travel to Thailand to receive the treatment. Here are just a few of the common reasons why people decide to select the sex of their baby.
Cultures
In many cultures, Thailand included, families wish to have a boy in order to continue the male line of the family. In the past, this has resulted in families having several babies (which they couldn’t afford), until a male was born. Unfortunately, some of these babies were malnourished and neglected, and by choosing the sex of a baby, this is a problem that if not eliminated, is at least reduced.
Culturally, some parents are more loving to one sex
In western society, this is something that no one would admit, but in some other cultures, parents are openly more loving to one sex than another. If this is the case, and you and your partner are prepared to admit this, it would be advisable to select the sex of your baby to avoid any neglect. If this would make you and your family happier, then it is probably the best for all concerned that you follow this path.
Family planning
We often have parents come to us explaining that they would like to have either a boy or girl next as they already have a child or children of one sex. IVF can be used to help to give parents the best chance of selecting a baby of their chosen sex. It is a point that also ties in with the cultural issues that we raised in point one.
Medical reasons
Some families may have a history of hereditary medical problems which only affect one gender. If the doctors believe that you are potentially at a high risk of passing on the genetic condition. In that case, it may be advisable if you want to have children to decide the sex before they are born in order to remove the problem of the baby being born with a congenital disorder. In many cases, it will also help to remove the defect from future generations.
Preparation time
Wherever you are in the world, having a baby is an expensive experience. By knowing if your baby will be a boy or girl at conception, it gives parents longer to prepare. It is a reason which has become less of a priority in the recent years with ultrasounds being able to detect the sex of a baby early in the pregnancy, but it is still a reason for some couples. Choosing the sex of a baby for practical reasons can sometimes receive some disapproval, so parents should also be prepared for this.
Overcoming the loss of a son or daughter
The loss of any child is naturally hard for parents to take, but for some, the grief can become unbearable. It is quite common for families to crave another son or daughter to ease some of the distress. As medical professionals, we are acutely aware that the parents should never view the new human life as a replacement, more as a welcome addition to the family. It has been proven around the world that this has helped many families overcome the trauma of losing a child.
Summary
It is possible to choose the sex of a baby using IVF in Thailand so long as both parents are comfortable and the doctors are confident that the decision is being made for the right reasons. To reinforce the point mentioned at the start of the article, we would never compromise the rules of the land or medical ethics in order the grant a couple a child of a chosen sex, regardless of how much they pleaded with us.
Contact us
If you would like more information about choosing the sex of your baby in Thailand, IVF in Thailand or any other fertility issues, please contact us today.