SEX SELECTION AND FAMILY BALANCING

PGT-A for determination of the sex of an embryo has multiple applications. There are certain genetic diseases that are caused by a mutation of a gene in the X chromosome. Because the normal male sex chromosome complement is XY, any gene mutation present on the X chromosome will result in the male individual being affected by the genetic disease, since there is not a complementary normal X chromosome to offset the expression of the mutated gene as there is in females (whose normal complement is XX). Hemophilia (a bleeding disorder), is an example of an X-linked disease. In this case, if a couple is at risk for passing Hemophilia on to their male offspring, they may choose to transfer only female embryos to avoid a male affected with the disease.

​

Another reason a couple may choose to determine the sex of their embryos is to balance their family. Couples who have one or more children of the same sex may wish to have a child of the opposite sex to “balance” their family. It is strongly recommended that couples who are planning to do sex selection or family balancing meet with a Genetic Counselor or other appropriate psycho-social counselor prior to starting the treatment cycle.