Chances to Have A Boy after Gender Selection by Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening Are Reduced in Couples with only Girls and without A Boy Sired by The Male Partner

Abstract

Background: Gender selection and family planning have their roots in human history. Despite great interest in these fields, very few scientific propositions exist which could explain why some family do not attain the desired sex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether sex of previous child or children could affect the outcomes of pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS). Materials and Methods: This historical cohort study including 218 PGS cases referring to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center (IFIC). Couples were grouped as those who their male child passed away or her husbands' has a son(s) from their previous marriage (n=70) and couples who just have daughter (n=148). Male normal blastocysts were transferred for both groups. The outcomes of PGS including pregnancy, implantation and abortion rates, along with possible confounding factors were compared between the two groups. Results: Significant differences in pregnancy, implantation and abortion rates were observed between couples whose their male partner had/has one boy (n=70) compared to those who have just girl(s) (n=148) despite similar number and quality of male normal blastocyst transferred in the two groups. Confounding factors were also considered. Conclusion: The Y-bearing spermatozoa in male partners with no history of previous boy have lower ability to support a normal development to term, compared to male partners with previous history of boy requesting family balancing.