Sex preselection through albumin separation of sperm.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if passage of sperm through columns of liquid albumin before their use in artificial insemination could affect the sex ratio at birth.

DESIGN

Sperm were isolated by layering over columns of liquid albumin. The isolated fractions were inseminated into the uterus on the presumptive day of ovulation.

SETTING

Patients were treated in 65 clinical practices (Sperm Centers) located both in this country (57) and abroad (8).

PATIENTS

Individuals were self-selected by their desire to have a child of a specified sex.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The sex of offspring resulting from the insemination of isolated sperm.

RESULTS

Insemination with sperm isolated to enhance male sex preselection produced 71% and 76% males depending on the technique. Use of isolated sperm in women who were taking clomiphene citrate was associated with a 69% birth of females.

CONCLUSIONS

Separation of sperm on columns of liquid albumin can affect the sex ratio at birth.