I had heard about couples pre-selecting the sex of a baby, but had always assumed it was an expensive procedure performed in a clinic. This was the first time I had heard of anybody doing it “naturally”. And naturally, I was skeptical. Were these just old wives’ tales--like placing a frying pan under the bed to conceive a girl? Or was there a more scientific explanation behind it?

 

Upon further investigation, it turns out that there are quite a few popular methods that claim varying degrees of success. The most common method is that of Dr. Shettles, author of the international bestseller “How To Choose The Sex of Your Baby”. Dr. Shettles’ theory is based on the idea that the male Y sperm are smaller, weaker, but faster than their sibling X sperm, which are larger, stronger, but slower. In addition, Dr. Shettles argues that there are several factors that can influence the conception of boys or girls. The following is a summary of what his method entails:

 

 

According to Dr. Shettles’ book, the single most important factor in influencing the sex of your child is the timing of intercourse.  If you are trying for a boy, he recommends having sex as close to ovulation as possible, since he purports that the male Y sperm swim faster and will reach the egg first. If you’re trying for a girl, Dr. Shettles advises that intercourse take place 3 or more days before ovulation, since the female X sperm are hardier and tend to live longer than their counterparts. This way, they will be present in greater quantity by the time of ovulation and will have a better chance of reaching the egg.

 

 

The pH level in a woman’s tract can also influence the sex of a baby. An acidic pH level is believed to kill off the weaker male Y sperm, and leave a greater quantity of female X sperm to fertilize the egg. On the other hand, an alkaline environment is thought to encourage the conception of a boy. To change the pH levels of the womb, Dr. Shettles advises changing things like diet, as well as preparing a homemade douche with either vinegar or baking soda, depending on what you’re trying to achieve. (Do not try this without consulting the recipe in the book, as well as your doctor. The douches must be diluted, otherwise they may be dangerous to your health.)

 

Sexual positions, depth of penetration, and orgasms are influential because they can cause pH levels in the vagina to fluctuate. The entrance to the vagina is more acidic, so a shallow penetration will encourage the conception of a girl. Also, deep penetration can give the faster male Y sperm a head start by releasing them closer to the egg. Dr. Shettles recommends missionary position for a girl, and rear-entry for a boy. In addition, when a woman orgasms, the secretions may make the vagina more alkaline. Dr. Shettles recommends orgasms for boys and none for girls!

 

 

Dr. Shettles purports that a high sperm count will favour the conception of boys. When trying for a boy, he recommends holding back from ejaculating for 3-4 days before the target date.

 

If trying for a girl, the man should take a hot bath before intercourse. This recommendation is based on the notion that sperm need cooler temperatures to survive. This will give the advantage to the stronger female X sperm.

 

Lastly, to encourage the conception of a boy, it is recommended that the man drink a strong cup of caffeinated coffee before intercourse to give the male Y sperm a boost.

 

Dr. Shettles claims a success rate of 70-75% for girls and 75-80% for boys (better than the normal 50%).

 

Keep in mind; no method is going to achieve guaranteed results. It goes without saying; the birth of a child (no matter what the sex!) is a beautiful and miraculous event. I know in my sister’s case, she’ll be over the moon with a baby of either sex. And that’s what’s really important. 

 

Related Reading Material

 

Chasing The Gender Dream by Jennifer Merrill Thompson

 

-- Sarah Simpson

   sarah@babyontheway.ca