IUI and Gender Probability: What Are the Chances?

Question
My wife has PCOS and we are trying our first adventure into Famara and IUI.  We have all heard of the timing of intercourse and trying to have a specific gender of child.  From the process of IUI in combination with the timing the we all "know", it seems to me that the probability of having a boy with IUI would be significantly higher in general.  I was wondering if there has ever been a study on probability of having boys using IUI?  Additionally, our doctor said that with just the one fertility drug and IUI we have about a 20% chance of getting pregnant.  Is this figure accurate?  I ask because I understand that 20% is the normal probability rate where in the process of IUI the timing is much better and the amount of sperm and delivery location seem to be more beneficial for insemination.

Thank you
Michael

Answer

Dr. Ramirez Hello,

Thanks for writing. First let me dispel the myth.  You cannot predict or time intercourse to influence the gender of the baby.  That is an old wife's tale.  The gender is very dependent on the sperm that fertilizes the egg, and that is highly variable.  IUI does not help with gender selection.  It is hard enough just to accomplish a pregnancy.

You are correct about the IUI pregnancy rates.  In women under the age of 35, the maximum pregnancy rates with IUI is 24%.  The maximum natural pregnancy rates under 35 is 18% per cycle.  IUI does increase the chances by increasing the number of eggs ovulated (we try for three), increasing the timing and getting the sperm into the tubes.  Other than that, the remainder of the process is natural, so the pregnancy rates are not increased a great deal.

I hope this answers your questions.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.