SEX PRESELECTION THROUGH ALBUMIN SEPARATION OF SPERM

Objective: To determine if passage of sperm through columns of liquid albumin before their use in artificial insemination could affect the sex ratio at birth. Design: Sperm were isolated by layering over columns of liquid albumin. The isolated fractions were inseminated into the uterus on the presumptive day of ovulation. Setting: Patients were treated in 65 clinical practices (Sperm Centers) located both in this country (57) and abroad (8). Patients: Individuals were self-selected by their desire to have a child of a specified sex. Main Outcome Measure: The sex of offspring resulting from the insemination of isolated sperm. Results: Insemination with sperm isolated to enhance male sex preselection produced 71% and 76% males depending on the technique. Use of isolated sperm in women who were taking clomiphene citrate was associated with a 69% birth of females. Conclusions: Separation of sperm on columns of liquid albumin can affect the sex ratio at birth.