For couples hoping to influence the gender of their baby, there is a method to help you do so and it has been around since the 60s. Though the so-called Shettles Method has had its share of doubters, many believes it to be an effective gender swaying method.
In an episode of DZMM's Private Nights, Dr. Lulu Marquez elaborated more on what remains to be the most common way of sex selection.
It was Dr. Landrum B. Shettles, author of the report "How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby", who first discussed the possibility, focusing on the different characteristics of sperm.
"It is the sperm that fertilizes the egg that will determine the sex of your baby," Dr. Marquez said in the radio interview, emphasizing that sperm cells can carry either an X or Y-chromosome.
"If an X-chromosome-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a girl. If a Y-chromosome-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a boy," continued Dr. Marquez.
She also further described boy sperm as being faster, smaller, and having a shorter life span than the girl sperm. Meanwhile, though the girl sperm may be slower, it has a longer life span because of its ability to survive in an acidic cervical environment.
Next page: Dr. Marquez explains the 3 premises of the Shettles Method
1. Right timing
"Importante ang menstrual cycle ng babae ay regular," Dr. Marquez explained. "You can time intercourse. Women are fertile on the second nine days of menstruation. The life of an egg, however, is only for 24 hours."
For couples who want to have a boy, intercourse during the time nearest to ovulation is advised.
"Choose the middle day of the second nine days of menstruation," advised Dr. Marquez.
To conceive a girl, couples must have sex two to three days before ovulation.
2. Sex position
"Choose a sexual position that favors conception of your preferred sex," said the doctor, adding that "doggy style" is recommended for couples wanting to have a boy.
"Kung mas closer ang ejaculation sa cervix, then chances are mas mabilis na makakarating ang boy sperm sa egg," she explained.
Avoiding deep vaginal penetration, however, may help couples have a girl. To achieve this, she advises couples to choose the "missionary position", which will cause sperm to land farther away from the cervix.
3. Genuine orgasm
Women who orgasm during sex have increased alkaline vaginal secretions. Since boy sperm cannot survive in an acidic vagina, Dr. Marquez shares that the Shettles Method recommends having an orgasm before or at the same time as one's partner to have a boy.
To conceive a girl, according to the Shettles Method, couples should avoid orgasm.
In closing, Dr. Marquez emphasized that the Shettles Method is not 100% guaranteed effective. While it has worked for many couples, some couples didn't have the same success. It's still best to consult your doctor to find out what's best for you.
READ: Can I tell what my baby’s sex is based on my belly?
