Embryo Grading and Gender

Embryo grading and gender selection are two factors that can affect which embryos are selected for transfer.

Embryo grading cannot detect the gender of your embryos because it assesses cell development and appearance, and biological sex is determined at the chromosomal level.

Gender can only be determined through specific genetic testing, particularly preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

We’ll explore the process of PGT-A, its implications for gender selection, and how embryo quality and gender considerations interact during the embryo selection process.

If you’re interested in choosing gender for your embryos, learn more here.

Embryo Grading and Gender Selection

 Grading embryos does not provide any information about the sex of the embryo. Embryo grading compares the health and development of embryos by rating each embryo on a scale based on cell development and appearance.

 For example, a 4AA embryo is considered a higher quality embryo while a 3CC embryo is considered a lower quality embryo.

Embryos can receive higher grades due to health of embryo parts, symmetry, and higher number of healthy cells. Embryos with higher grades generally have higher chances of becoming healthy pregnancies.

Embryo gender can be determined through a different form of testing called PGT-A.

The Role of PGT-A

To determine the gender of an embryo, families must rely on preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A). This specialized genetic test can identify chromosomal conditions and determine the embryo’s sex by analyzing its genetic material.

How PGT-A Works

1. Embryo Development: After fertilization, embryos are monitored for several days.
2. Cell Biopsy: At the blastocyst stage (typically day 5), a few cells are carefully removed from the embryo.
3. Genetic Analysis: The extracted cells are analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities and sex determination.
4. Results: Families receive information about the embryo’s genetic health and sex.

Embryo Quality and Gender Selection Considerations

While PGT-A can identify the sex of embryos, it’s crucial to note that it does not alter the sex. If you want an embryo of a specific gender, this discussion will likely come along with the discussion of the quality of the embryos.  

Here’s how the two factors can come together:

• Embryo Quality: Higher-quality embryos (e.g., graded 5AA) typically have better chances of implantation and successful pregnancy. Grading is based on developmental milestones and morphology.
• Gender Selection: PGT-A provides additional information about the sex and genetic factors for embryos, which can influence the decision-making process for families wishing to select a specific gender.

When choosing embryos for transfer, intended parents may consider both the quality of the embryos (based on grading) and the information provided by PGT-A regarding gender and genetics. However, in some cases, the two pieces of information can conflict for families.

For instance, if your family wants a girl, but the female embryos have genetic risk factors for disease or low grade, your family may weigh the risks of using a female embryo versus male embryo of a higher grade.

If you have embryos ready, you can be matched with a surrogate in an average of 1 - 6 months. Learn more about available surrogates or get connected to a surrogacy professional now.

.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a correlation between embryo grade and gender?

No, there is no correlation between embryo grade and gender. Embryo grading assesses quality but does not provide information about the sex of the embryo.

Are male or female embryos stronger during IVF?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that male or female embryos are inherently stronger during IVF. Success rates depend more on embryo quality and other factors like maternal health.

Is ICSI more likely to result in boys or girls?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) does not influence the sex of the embryo. The ratio of male to female embryos remains consistent regardless of the fertilization method.

Does ICSI result in more boys?

No, ICSI does not lead to a higher likelihood of conceiving boys. The sex of the embryo is determined by the sperm and remains unaffected by the fertilization technique.