How test tube babies decide men and women
IVF is a method of assisting pregnancy through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, which enables many infertile couples to realize their reproductive dreams. Many people are also interested in and concerned about the sex selection of IVF. So, how does IVF decide men and women? The following is a detailed description of gene screening, chromosome selection, embryo sex identification and embryo implantation technology.
Gene screening
In the early stage of IVF, scientists can detect the sex of embryos through gene screening technology. Human genes are inherited from parents. Men have XY chromosomes, while women have XX chromosomes. Through gene screening, scientists can identify the sex chromosomes carried by the embryo, thus realizing the sex selection of IVF. However, genetic screening requires laboratory testing after sampling, which involves certain technical operations, and also has certain time and cost inputs.
In addition, in some countries and regions, gene screening is restricted to determine the genetic disease of the trait, and is prohibited to determine the sex selection of test tube babies. This is to avoid gender preference and unbalanced social problems. Therefore, in practice, gene screening is not generally applicable to the sex selection method of IVF.
Chromosome selection
Chromosome selection is another method of sex selection for test tube babies. In the process of in vitro fertilization, sperm of a specific sex can be used for fertilization through chromosome screening and screening of sperm. In this way, the probability of carrying a specific sex chromosome in the fertilized egg will be greatly increased. Chromosome selection technology needs laboratory micromanipulation and fine screening to ensure accurate sex selection of test tube babies.
Although chromosome selection can assist in IVF sex configuration, this technology still has some limitations. Because male and female spermatozoa are almost indistinguishable in appearance, chromosome selection technology also needs fine regulation and operation in practical application.
Embryo sexing
Embryo sex determination is a reliable method for sex selection of IVF. This technique is to determine the sex of an embryo by extracting a small number of cells from the embryo for DNA testing. Embryo sex identification is an accurate and feasible choice through gene diagnosis technology.
However, embryo sex identification also needs the help of laboratory technology, including embryo cell separation, DNA extraction, gene sequencing and other operations. In addition, some countries and regions also have legal restrictions on embryo sex identification.
Embryo implantation technology
Sex selection of IVF ultimately needs to be achieved through embryo implantation technology. After the IVF embryo culture reaches a certain stage, it can be implanted into embryos of a specific sex to achieve the purpose of sex selection. Technical operations mainly include in vitro culture, embryo selection, embryo implantation, etc.
It is worth noting that embryo implantation technology cannot guarantee 100% success, because factors such as implantation rate and embryo development after embryo implantation may have a certain impact on the sex selection of IVF.
Summary
Sex selection in IVF is a complex task involving many medical technologies and moral considerations. At present, the commonly used selection methods include gene screening, chromosome selection, embryo sex identification and embryo implantation technology. However, these methods need medical equipment and laboratory operation, and are restricted by national and regional laws and regulations. Therefore, in practice, the sex selection of IVF needs to respect the constraints of science, ethics and law to ensure the reasonable and safe application of IVF technology.
