Family Balancing
Building a family is a deeply personal journey; sometimes, achieving your desired family dynamic may require additional support. Family balancing, or gender selection, is an important consideration in such cases.
Dr Salem El Shawarby, a leading expert in reproductive medicine and infertility, emphasizes the significance of offering comprehensive care and support to individuals undergoing family balancing in Abu Dhabi. This commitment ensures optimal outcomes and emotional well-being throughout the process.
What is Family Balancing?
Family balancing or gender selection is a process that couples use to know the gender of their embryo whilst undergoing fertility treatment. For example, if a couple already has two or three daughters and wishes for a son or vice versa, family balancing can help select the desired gender.
Through methods like Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGT-A), desired embryos are selected for implantation. This technology ensures accurate gender selection, helping couples achieve their preferred gender ratio within their family.
How are Embryos Screened for Family Balancing IVF?
Embryos are screened for family balance through a process called Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
This embryo screening test, sometimes referred to as Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing or (PGT-A), involves testing a few cells from the embryo to:
- Screen all 24 chromosomes for chromosomal numerical abnormalities, e.g Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edward’s syndrome.
- Identify the gender of the embryos.
- Assess chromosomal health to reduce the risk of miscarriage.
couples can then select the most suitable embryos for implantation during IVF, helping them achieve their desired gender balance within their family.
What are the Steps Involved in Family Balancing IVF?
In family balancing, after successful egg retrieval and fertilization in an IVF–ICSI cycle, embryos undergo NGS.
A cell biopsy is taken from each embryo at the blastocyst (Day 5) stage, and those deemed healthy and of the desired gender are transferred to the uterus. This process does not affect the duration of treatment.
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medication is prescribed to stimulate the growth of multiple ovarian follicles. Their development into eggs is monitored through ultrasound.
- Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries using a thin transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle during a short day case surgical procedure under sedation or anesthesia. The quantity of eggs retrieved depends on the body’s response to the medication.
- Sperm Collection: A semen sample is then obtained from the male (Husband)
- Fertilization: a single sperm is injected into each egg using a precise technique called ICSI or IVF.
- Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening: CCS is performed for family balancing or to detect any chromosomal abnormalities. The health and gender of the embryos are determined and discussed with you before embryo transfer.
- Embryo Transfer: Selected embryos of the desired gender are transferred into the uterus under abdominal ultrasound control. After the procedure, hormone levels are tracked through blood tests to confirm pregnancy after 10 days.
Family Balancing: Achieving Your Dream Family with Dr Salem El Shawarby
Family balancing offers hope and options for individuals and couples seeking a desired gender balance in their family.
Dr Salem El Shawarby, a renowned expert in reproductive medicine with almost 30 years of expertise, is dedicated to providing comprehensive family balancing care in Abu Dhabi, Dr Salem leverages advanced techniques and a compassionate approach to guide you through every step of the process.
For personalized advice on family balancing and your own circumstances in Abu Dhabi, consult Dr Salem El Shawarby.
