GENDER SELECTION

Gender Selective IVF in Cyprus

Advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology have offered couples not only the opportunity to overcome infertility issues but also to determine the sex of their unborn child. Gender selection, using methods such as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and MicroSort, has emerged as an option for couples seeking to balance their families or avoid sex-linked genetic diseases. Cyprus, particularly the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has become a popular destination for this procedure. However, the legal status of gender selection, the methods employed, costs, success rates, and ethical aspects pose significant questions for those considering this treatment. This report aims to compile the current information on gender-selective IVF treatment in Cyprus (both North and South).

Gender Selection Procedures

The main methods used for gender selection at our Omni IVF Clinic in Cyprus are:

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): This method involves genetically analyzing one or more cells taken from embryos developed during IVF treatment. PGD allows embryos to be screened for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy screening - PGS/PGT-A) or specific genetic diseases (PGT-M). It also determines the embryo's sex chromosomes (XX or XY) and allows gender determination with up to 99.9% accuracy.

MicroSort: This is a sperm sorting technology. Male sperm carry either an X (female) or a Y (male) chromosome. MicroSort technology uses fluorescent staining and flow cytometry to separate sperm carrying an X and a Y chromosome. The sorted sperm carrying the desired gender are then used in Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). MicroSort's accuracy is not as high as PGT; An accuracy rate of approximately 90% for female babies and approximately 75% for male babies is reported.

Insemination (IUI) with MicroSort: This is a less invasive method in which sperm separated by MicroSort are injected directly into the uterus. It is generally an option for young and fertile couples. While it is less expensive than IVF, the success rate is generally lower.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with MicroSort and/or PGD: In this method, eggs retrieved from the woman are fertilized in a laboratory with sperm separated by MicroSort. PGD is then performed on the resulting embryos to check their genetic health and determine their sex. Healthy embryos of the desired gender are selected and transferred to the uterus. This method is recommended, especially for older women or women with diminished ovarian reserve, to increase the chances of finding healthy embryos of the desired gender. It offers the highest accuracy and generally the highest chance of pregnancy, but it is also the most expensive.

Costs

At Omni IVF Center in Cyprus, the costs of gender-selective IVF treatments vary significantly depending on the method, clinic, treatment protocol, and additional services. We are ready to offer you the highest quality, most successful service at the most affordable and sustainable prices.

Things to Consider

This typically covers only the basic treatment procedure. Expenses such as medications, doctor consultations, additional tests (blood tests, ultrasounds), embryo freezing, accommodation, and transportation are generally not included in these prices and can significantly increase the total cost.

Prices may be updated over time and based on fluctuations in exchange rates.

For accurate and up-to-date cost information, it is essential to contact the relevant clinics directly.

Success Rates

The success of gender-selective IVF treatments can be evaluated under two main headings: gender determination accuracy and pregnancy success rate.

Gender Determination Accuracy:

PGT: It has an accuracy rate of nearly 99.9% in determining the sex of the embryo.

MicroSort: An accuracy rate of approximately 90% is reported for selecting a girl and approximately 75% for selecting a boy.

Pregnancy Success Rates

Pregnancy rates depend on many factors, particularly the woman's age. Factors such as ovarian reserve, sperm quality, embryo quality, uterine condition, and the clinic's experience influence success.

Success rates often vary by age group. While pregnancy rates as high as 70-80% can be reported for younger individuals (e.g., under 30) using their own eggs, these rates can drop to 30-50% or even lower after age 40.

When egg donation is used, pregnancy rates are higher (around 80%) regardless of the recipient's age because the donor is usually young.

The addition of sex selection procedures (PGT or MicroSort) may slightly lower pregnancy rates compared to standard IVF due to the manipulations performed on the embryos, but some clinics claim higher success rates with combined methods.