For many families, having a child is one of life’s most cherished dreams. While some couples are happy with either a boy or a girl, others may wish to balance their families by choosing the gender of their baby. With advances in fertility treatments, this possibility now exists through gender selection IVF.
Dubai has become a popular destination for couples exploring fertility solutions, including gender selection. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know—from how it works and its legality in Dubai to costs, success rates, and ethical considerations.
What is Gender Selection IVF?
Gender selection IVF is a medical procedure that allows couples to choose the sex of their baby before pregnancy. The process involves IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) followed by an advanced screening method called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT).
Here’s how it works:
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Eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries.
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The eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory.
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Embryos are grown for several days.
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Genetic testing is performed to identify the gender.
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An embryo of the chosen gender is transferred into the uterus.
This method is not only used for family balancing but also to prevent genetic disorders linked to gender.
Why Do Couples Consider Gender Selection IVF?
There are several reasons couples may choose gender selection:
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Family Balancing: Couples who already have children of one gender may wish for a child of the opposite sex.
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Medical Reasons: Some genetic diseases, like haemophilia, are more common in one gender. Choosing the baby’s sex helps prevent such conditions.
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Personal or Cultural Preferences: In certain cultures, there may be preferences for boys or girls.
While personal choice is a factor, many couples also rely on gender selection IVF for health-related reasons.
Gender Selection IVF in Dubai: Legal and Ethical Aspects
In Dubai, gender selection IVF is available under strict regulations. The laws ensure that the treatment is used responsibly and aligns with local cultural and ethical standards.
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Legal Use: Gender selection is permitted in Dubai when it is done for medical reasons, such as avoiding genetic diseases.
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Restrictions: Non-medical or purely personal gender selection may not always be allowed. Regulations can differ between clinics, so couples should consult directly with their chosen facility.
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Ethical Oversight: Dubai’s healthcare system ensures that IVF clinics follow ethical guidelines to protect both parents and children.
It is always advisable for couples to clarify the legal requirements before beginning the treatment.
How Successful is Gender Selection IVF?
Gender selection through IVF is highly accurate. With modern PGT techniques, the chances of correctly identifying and selecting the baby’s gender are more than 99% accurate.
However, overall IVF success depends on other factors such as:
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Woman’s age and overall health.
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Quality of eggs and sperm.
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Lifestyle factors including diet, smoking, and stress.
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Experience of the clinic and doctors.
Couples should remember that while gender selection is reliable, the IVF process itself may require more than one cycle for pregnancy to occur.
Cost of Gender Selection IVF in Dubai
The cost of gender selection IVF in Dubai is higher than standard IVF because of the additional genetic testing.
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Average IVF Cost: AED 30,000 to AED 50,000 per cycle.
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Additional PGT Cost: AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 depending on the number of embryos tested.
Therefore, couples can expect the total cost for gender selection IVF to range between AED 40,000 and AED 70,000 per cycle.
Clinics may offer packages, so it’s best to request a detailed cost breakdown before starting treatment.
Advantages of Gender Selection IVF
Gender selection IVF offers several benefits for couples in Dubai:
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Prevents Genetic Disorders: Families with a history of sex-linked diseases can ensure their child is healthy.
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Family Planning Control: Couples can balance their family by choosing the desired gender.
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High Accuracy: With advanced technology, gender selection is almost always successful.
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Peace of Mind: Parents may feel more confident knowing they can reduce risks of genetic conditions.
These advantages make gender selection IVF an appealing option for couples who qualify.
Challenges and Considerations
While gender selection IVF has many benefits, there are also challenges to consider:
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High Cost: The procedure is expensive and not usually covered by insurance.
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Emotional Stress: IVF can be emotionally draining, especially if multiple cycles are needed.
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Cultural Sensitivity: In some cases, gender selection may raise ethical or cultural questions.
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Medical Risks: Like any IVF procedure, there may be risks such as multiple pregnancies or complications from hormone treatments.
Couples should weigh these factors carefully and consult with specialists before making a decision.
Preparing for Gender Selection IVF in Dubai
Preparation is essential for a smoother and more successful IVF journey. Couples can take several steps before starting:
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Complete all medical tests recommended by the clinic.
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Adopt a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.
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Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and stress.
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Seek counselling if feeling anxious about the process.
Many clinics in Dubai also provide psychological support to help couples manage the stress of IVF treatment.
Choosing the Right Clinic in Dubai
The choice of clinic is one of the most important decisions for couples considering gender selection IVF. Key factors include:
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Clinic Reputation: Look for centres with proven success in IVF and PGT.
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Doctor’s Experience: Choose specialists with expertise in genetic testing and fertility care.
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Technology and Facilities: Ensure the clinic uses advanced labs and modern equipment.
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Transparency: Reliable clinics are clear about costs, procedures, and legal rules.
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Patient Support: Good clinics offer emotional and psychological guidance alongside medical treatment.
Visiting multiple clinics, reading reviews, and asking detailed questions can help couples make the right choice.
Emotional and Psychological Support
IVF and gender selection can be emotionally demanding. Couples may face anxiety, stress, or even disappointment if results don’t come immediately. In Dubai, many clinics offer:
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One-on-one counselling sessions.
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Support groups for couples undergoing IVF.
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Stress management programs including yoga and relaxation therapy.
Having emotional support during the journey can make the process less overwhelming and more hopeful.
Alternatives to Gender Selection IVF
In some cases, couples may explore alternatives if gender selection IVF is not suitable. Options include:
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Standard IVF: Without genetic testing, though the gender is not predetermined.
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IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Less costly but does not allow gender selection.
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Adoption: For families open to providing a home to a child.
Each option comes with its own benefits and limitations, so couples should discuss these with their doctor.
Conclusion
Gender selection IVF in Dubai offers couples the opportunity to plan their families more precisely, whether for medical reasons or family balancing. With advanced technology, strict regulations, and highly skilled specialists, Dubai has become a trusted destination for this treatment.
While the process involves significant costs and emotional commitment, it also provides peace of mind and the chance to avoid genetic disorders. By choosing the right clinic, preparing thoroughly, and seeking emotional support, couples can navigate the journey with confidence.
For those considering gender selection IVF, Dubai provides both world-class medical care and a supportive environment, making it a promising choice for building the family of their dreams.
