Gender Selection With IVF: Treatment & Cost

IVF—or In Vitro Fertilization—combined with embryo testing, is the best option for gender selection. However, it’s important to understand the basics, as well as whether or not your insurance company will cover it.

Gender Selection Basics

Gender selection is also known as sex selection and the two terms are often used interchangeably. You probably already know the impact of the X chromosome and Y chromosome have on the sex of an embryo. Due to males and females having different sex chromosome combinations, sex selection can select sperm with specific chromosomes or embryos with chromosome pairings.

Gender selection IVF procedures are often done in tandem with genetic screening, called Preimplantation Genetic Testing or Screening (PGT or PGS). Genetic screening uses genetic analysis to spot chromosomal abnormalities such as health problems like muscular dystrophy or other genetic diseases. This form of genetic testing can see if genes passed down by a family member will contribute to a genetic diagnosis or impact fertility due to genetic disorder. Ultimately, you’re not only selecting the desired gender of a child but you’re also making sure that child will be in good health, regardless of whether it’s a female embryo or male offspring.

Couples that choose the sex of their child will likely need to contribute a sperm sample or undergo an egg biopsy or egg retrieval to verify hormone levels and determine what medical services will be involved when a couple chooses their desired sex. Couples also need to be aware that choosing the sex of a baby has medical costs that aren’t frequently covered by government aid or federal assistance.

Sex Selection Costs in the United States

The costs of sex selection can vary greatly depending on health insurers and the added medical care required. Since gender selection is done in conjunction with other procedures, factoring in the cost of implantation is suggested. This form of reproductive medicine is costly, to say the least. Short-term insurance won’t always cover it though some forms of private health insurance will. Also, since success rates are variable, the type of plan you have will impact you should you need to try multiple times. If the cost of gender selection seems daunting, you may want to reach out to a licensed health insurance agent or shop around online.

Sites like healthquotegurus.com make it easy to find private health insurance that fits your needs, all with a low monthly premium. When searching for a health plan or insurance policy through Health Quote Gurus, you’re going to want to filter by your specific needs. If you’re struggling to the right health care, talk to a representative from the site to discuss your particular insurance needs.

Find a Provider

Once you’ve settled on the necessary insurance, you’re going to want to find a clinic that can handle the genetic diagnosis, implantation, and prescription drugs. Some clinics charge much more than others and don’t include the cost of medications. You want to find a clinic that offers a combination of lower costs and higher success rates. It’ll help ensure that you pick the right clinic the first time around. Don’t be afraid to compare providers to determine which one is the right fit. After all, this is your child you’re talking about. You want the absolute best care possible.

Gender selection via IVF can be a beautiful blessing if handled correctly. Make sure you’re ready for the various medical procedures and costs. Once you and your couple have decided on the sex of your child, the rest is in the doctor’s hands.