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Gender Selection: the Shettles Method

Timing Intercourse and Sexual Position to Increase the Odds of having a Boy or a Girl

Gender selection has always been a hot topic - and more and more couples are turning to, or at least speculatively entertaining the possibility of using, methods and techniques of influencing the gender of their next baby. Most well-known among these is the Shettles Method, which we will explore in-depth below.

According to a number of websites that market various gender selection kits (selection strategies combined with products or services), the "quest" for determining gender goes back to prehistoric times, with purported evidence of early gender selection techniques revealed in primitive drawings. While these claims seem a bit fantastic, its certainly not an exaggeration to suggest that formal efforts to sway the odds of conceiving a boy or a girl date back at least to astrological Chinese Gender Charts (about 1,000 years ago).

However, only during the past decades have the mysteries enshrouding gender been solved - how gender determined during reproduction conclusively analyzed. In fact, it is now common scientific knowledge that a baby's gender is determined during the very first moments of pregnancy - during conception. Specifically, it is the sex chromosome carried by an individual sperm that will dictate the final say on whether a baby is male or female.

To provide a brief overview, when a woman ovulates an egg, it carries an X chromosome. A sperm may carry either an X or a Y chromosome. If the sperm with the X chromosome fertilized the egg, the embryo will develop into a girl (XX). If a sperm with a Y chromosome fertilized the egg, the the embryo will develop into a boy (XY). Hence, we frequently refer to sperm as being either male (Y) or female (X) sperm, even though these terms are configurative and rather unscientific sounding.

What has been established, however, is that male (Y) and female (X) sperm exhibit differentiated attributes and unique qualities. And by understanding the properties and behaviors of each type of sperm, environmental-reproductive contingencies can be manipulated to favor the odds of one type of sperm to fertilize the egg and determine the gender of your baby.

From this theoretical foundation, a number of gender selection theories have evolved, and perhaps the most well-known among these is the Shettles Method, which attempts to control a number of variables: timing intercourse in relation to ovulation date, use of sexual position, and depth of male penetration. The logic underlying the Shettles Method of sex selection is that by changing these three factors above, X or Y chromosome sperm will be offered a differential advantage in being able to reach, and therefore fertilize, the egg.

Shettles Method: Characteristics of X and Y Chromosome Sperm

To understand how the Shettles Method works, we first need to clarify the qualitative differences between the X and Y chromosome-carrying sperm.

The Y-chromosome sperm (boys) have been found to be smaller and faster than the female X-chromosome sperm. However, Y-chromosome sperm may be less resilient than X-chromosome sperm, may die more quickly, and may not be able to withstand more acidic environments (pH levels of the vagina). Boy sperm live fast and die young, so to speak.

The X-chromosome sperm (girls) have been found to be slower but more resilient than the Y sperm. X-chromosome sperm are larger and are more capable of enduring vaginal environments where the pH levels are more acidic. Typically, the vagina and cervical environments become less acidic right before and during ovulation, due to the increased presence of cervical mucus. The reproductive function of cervical mucus is to provide a healthy medium for sperm to swim and survive (longer). Cervical mucus will also likely reduce the acidity of the vagina and create more alkaline pH levels, helping sperm survive longer. We'll see below how this may play a factor in the Shettles Method of gender selection.

Boy sperm live fast and die young, so to speak. Girl sperm are like the tortoise in the Tortoise and the Hare children's fable: Slow and steady still wins the race. The Shettles method suggests that certain vagina environments, sexual positions, and dates of intercourse (timed in relation to ovulation) will favor one sperm over the other, based on the sperm attributes described above.

So now we understand the premises underlying the Shettles Method. This, however, is only one-half of the equation. In order to implement the Shettles method, we need know when you ovulate during your cycle. Predicting ovulation accurately is the key to success in the Settles Method, as timing intercourse is the cornerstone of influencing your baby's gender. We deal with this in the practical guide discussed in Part 3: Shettles Method: Fertility Charting and Gender Selection.

Right now let's stick to theory! We'll touch on practice below....

Gender Selection: To Have A Boy

If the boy sperm are faster but have a shorter life span, then the Shettles objective is to time lovemaking in nearest proximity to ovulation - right before ovulation takes place or the day you ovulate. The concept here is that Y-chromosome sperm will swim quicker than the X-chromosome and more of the Ys will reach the egg sooner. Therefore, the chances of having a boy are increased.

Remember, the egg can survive for only 24 hours following ovulation. Only one sperm can fertilize the egg (out of the millions who start the journey), so timing intercourse close to ovulation would favor quicker Y-chromosome sperm, even if their lifespan is short.

Shettles advises that to increase the odds of having a boy, do not have intercourse during your "transitional" fertile days four to five days before you ovulate. Rather, time lovemaking directly prior to and during ovulation. The Shettles Method also suggests deep penetration in order to get the sperm closer to the cervical canal, closer to the egg, and more likely closer to the abundant cervical mucus that should be present during your most fertile days. As for sexual position, Shettles recommends rear entry or "doggy style" for deepest penetration. According to Shettles, women should try to have an orgasm at the same time as the man; purportedly, orgasms increase endocervical secretion and increase the alkaline level of the vagina. Men should avoid wearing tight cloths and hot showers, etc, prior to intercourse as heat will more likely weed out the Y-sperm than the X-sperm.

These factors should 1) decrease the travel distance of sperm 2) provide a more alkaline pH environment in the vagina (due to presence of cervical mucus) 3) get male sperm to the egg quicker 4) promote environments conducive to male sperm survival.

Shettles: To Have a Girl

According to the Shettles Method, to have a girl, we simply reverse the terms. Instead of timing intercourse directly prior/during ovulation, make love during the transitional days and two to three days before you ovulate. Try to avoid sex when your cervical mucus is most fertile (when you have egg-white cervical fluids). Shettles suggests that women avoid having an orgasm and recommends shallow penetration to make it more difficult for the male sperm to make the big journey. Hence, missionary position is advised, or any shallow-penetration strategy that deposits sperm further from the entrance to the cervix.

The principle here is that these integrated methods will favor the slower, more resilient sperm. Female X-chromosome sperm can endure a more acidic environment, live longer, and swim further than their male counterparts.

So that's the Shettles Theory behind choosing the sex of your baby. Now, let's look at practical aspects of actually implementing the method by using a fertility chart, ovulation calendar, and by monitoring natural fertility signs. Click: Shettles Method: Fertility Charting and Gender Selection.

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Comments

I CURRENTLY HAVE 4 SONS. AND ME AND MY HUSBAND WANTS A GIRL. IM GETTING THE IUD REMOVED ON
MARCH 16, 2010. MY LAST PERIOD STARTED 3-10-2010 AND ENDED 3-14-2010. WHEN SHOULD I HAVE SEX. WE REALLY WANT A DAUGHTER. WHEN SHOULD WE HAVE SEX. MY CYCLE IS 22 DAYS. PLEASE HELP.

CUPCAKE - Mar 14, 2010
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I have 3 boys, and I've told my friends how to do this and they also had boys (which is what the wanted) so here's my input to those who need some help....
I'm very irregular so I never counted. My advice is to monitor ur discharge, when it's egg white/thick that's when ur most likely ovulating. To be safe, use a ovulation test (i did with my first) If the second line appears but is faint then u've probably entered ur fertile window but have not yet ovulated, try again in a day or two the line should be darker. Another thing to help with the ph levels is you can douche....for a boy stay away for the drug store brands, they all contain vinegar. Dollar stores carry douches that are baking soda instead, use those. Also try to orgasm before your husband does because this naturally neutralizes the acid in your vagina (acid is a hostile environment to the male spermazoa). Other things to consider are you diet....stay away from acidic foods/drinks...this includes orange juice, lemonade, coffee, etc (go online for more) and increase your intake of nuts, beans, meat, hummous. Also, the position you are in when he releases are important, a pillow under you to help elevate is good, and deep penetration (this is because the closer he is to you cervix the less distance his boys have to swim since Y's swim faster but die faster....the X's are slow, but live longer)
These are just a few tips I used and shared with my friends...hope they work for you....but remember at the end it's ultimately in God's hands. Good luck! Smile

3xboys - Mar 11, 2010
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i am 29 yr old and i have 2 girls and me and my hubby wants a baby boy to completr a family.will u please tell me how to check ph level of vagina or i have to use the ph test strips for urine/saliva to know the vaginal enviorment. thanks. my first days of the last three months menstrual cycles are:
11/8/2009 12/16/2009 01/15/2010

alisia - Mar 09, 2010
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My last two periods were 1/30/10, 3/1/10. Please kindly guide me in the optimum time to have intercouse to try for a baby girl. Thanks

Anonymous - Mar 06, 2010
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I have 2 girls and I am thinking of getting pregnant again. I just don't get this whole ovulation thing. for the first 2 I tried using an ovulation kit . I tested every morning and as soon as I realized that the 2nd line is darker than the other we had sex the night of! so what have I been doing wrong??? I just don't know exactly when I am ovulating. and my period is very regular. thank you!

Anonymous - Mar 04, 2010
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hi
i badly want a baby boy. is there a diet for me and my husbund? and how do i get my ph levels to be right at the time for ovilation?

Anonymous - Feb 26, 2010
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Respected sir, i am very much eager to have a baby boy and please advice me by which natural means i can have it. I have daughter and now want a son to make my family complete. So please advice me the correct method to have a baby boy its my request.

with regards

waiting for ur positive reply

Tuns - Feb 20, 2010
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My husband and I want to conceive a girl. I am monitoring my pH balance with test strips, trying to maintain the acid level a bit elevated. My last few periods were:
10/22/09
11/23/09
12/25/09
01/25/10
I am assuming that my period will come some time between the 25th and 27th of this month February, and according to a fertility calculator I use, I should be ovulation some time between 03/09/10-03/14/10, so when should we have intercourse to increase our chances of conceiving a girl?

Anonymous - Feb 16, 2010
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my last periods were;

11/21/09
12/22/09
1/23/10
I assume it will be on the 24th or 25th of this month (feb)

What day should me and my husband try for a girl on?
p.s. I tend to ovulate early.....

Anonymous - Feb 16, 2010
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Me and my husband are looking to conceive in the next few months, A IUD was removed in October and we have been trying since December. My last period for the past 3months are as follows so can you tell me when is best to try for a girl.

16th December 09
13th January 2010
12th February 2010

Usually my cycle is 4weekly since the IUD was removed and lasts 3-4days.

Thanks Vicky

Anonymous - Feb 16, 2010
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Note that you are most likely to get pregnant if you time your lovemaking to occur on the days right before - and on - your ovulation date. Keep in mind that the projected ovulation date above is simply a “best guess” estimate based on your cycle date information. The most accurate way to pinpoint your most fertile time is through the use of urine-based ovulation tests or with a fertility monitor. We have partnered with Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com, the Internet’s leading supplier of preconception products since 2001, to offer low-cost, FDA-approved pregnancy and ovulation tests – with free same-day shipping.

 

Now that you’ve calculated your ovulation date using our ovulation calculator, we have a number of other helpful tools you can use to help increase your chances of conceiving.

 

  • Create your own personalized ovulation calendar! You can even provide an email address so that you receive email alerts of your most fertile days, when you can begin testing for pregnancy, and more.
     

  • Create your own personalized fertility chart! This is a highly accurate way to pinpoint your ovulation date that relies primarily on basal temperature charting. (Visit Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for an accurate, inexpensive basal thermometer.)
     

  • Connect with others at our online community! If you have questions about trying-to-conceive – or if you just want to vent a bit – we have a wonderful, vibrant community of people who’d just love to hear from you.

Find your most fertile time.
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