Choosing embryo gender for surrogacy is possible through a process known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). By selecting a male or female embryo, you have the opportunity to plan the family you envision or prevent gender-related genetic conditions.
Learn more about genetic testing in IVF for surrogacy, or get help from a surrogacy specialist when you fill out this simple form.
Read on to learn about how gender is determined in surrogacy, and the process of embryo gender selection as well as other factors to consider when choosing embryos.
Can You Determine the Gender of an Embryo?
Yes, with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (also known as PGT), you can determine the sex of your embryos by analyzing their chromosomal makeup before the embryo transfer.
Can Frozen Embryos Be Tested For Gender?
Yes, gender selection with frozen embryos is still possible because frozen embryos can be genetically tested to determine gender as well as other factors.
Can You Choose Gender of Embryos for Surrogacy?
Yes, you can choose the gender of the embryo you transfer in IVF. While you are unable to alter the gender of an embryo, if you have multiple embryos, embryo gender selection is possible.
Embryo sex selection is just one of several factors that you may want to consider before transferring an embryo or embryos to the uterus.
When you create embryos, your medical team can help you determine the sex of all of your embryos through Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT).
Beyond Embryo Gender Selection
Choosing the embryo gender is only one benefit of PGT, it can also provide information about potential genetic disorders and diseases, and during this same time frame, your medical providers will likely grade your embryos, which will estimate the likelihood of successful pregnancy with each embryo.
You can use the information for embryo sex selection, and may also be making choices about which embryo to use based on health and development of the embryo.
For example, if you create three embryos before you undergo IVF and you are hoping for a girl, you could have any number of combinations of information like this:
- You have three male embryos and would need another round of embryo creation to potentially have a female
- You have three female embryos and you need to choose which one to use
- You have two male embryos and one female, but the female embryo has markers of a genetic disease
- You have two female embryos and one male embryo, but the male embryo has the highest likelihood of a successful pregnancy
- And other combinations
As you can see in the examples above, if you have all male embryos, it would not be possible to choose a female embryo, and in some cases, your family will need to weigh your desired sex outcome with other potential outcomes.
Learn more about genetic testing in IVF for surrogacy, or get help from a surrogacy specialist when you fill out this simple form.
Embryo Gender Selection Cost: IVF and Surrogacy
If your embryos are already undergoing PGT testing, there is usually no extra cost to find out the gender of the embryos. However, choosing to do PGT will likely cost you money, and how much it costs will vary based on what kind of testing you need.
Basic PGT testing can cost as little as $400 per embryo, but in some cases you will need to factor in additional costs for shipping and storage of embryos, which can add another $1000-$3000. The cost of testing increases depending on what the embryos are being tested for, while specialized PGT testing for specific diseases can cost $10,000-$30,000 or more. For more information on costs of PGT testing, read this.
Since gender is determined by sperm, some families choose to use sperm micro sorting to select for gender. This process can cost $1,500-$3,000 or more.
Next Steps
If you have embryos, you can get matched with a surrogate in an average of 1 - 6 months when you fill out our simple form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to select gender in surrogacy?
Yes, it is possible to select gender in surrogacy.
Can you choose gender with embryo transfer?
Yes, you can choose gender with embryo transfer in IVF.
What decides if an embryo is male or female?
The sex of an embryo—whether it is male or female, is determined by the egg and sperm that combine. The sperm holds the genetic material that determines the gender of the embryo.
Can you pick your baby's gender?
If you are undergoing IVF or surrogacy, in some cases you can choose your child’s gender.