In recent years, gender selection has gained increasing attention among couples seeking to balance their families or avoid gender-linked genetic conditions. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Dubai, has positioned itself as a regional hub for advanced fertility treatments. With world-class IVF clinics, modern technology, and progressive regulations, couples from across the globe are choosing the UAE for IVF and gender selection.
This blog provides an in-depth guide to the gender selection process in the UAE, detailing the procedures involved, costs, success rates, and legal considerations. Whether you’re exploring fertility options or planning for family balancing, understanding your choices is crucial for a well-informed journey.
Understanding Gender Selection
Gender selection, also known as sex selection, is a scientific process that allows parents to choose the biological sex of their baby before pregnancy. While traditional conception gives a 50/50 chance of having a boy or a girl, gender selection methods offer accuracy rates close to 100%.
There are two primary reasons why couples opt for gender selection:
- Medical Reasons: To prevent transmission of sex-linked genetic disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and Fragile X syndrome.
- Family Balancing: For couples who already have children of one gender and wish to have a child of the opposite gender for emotional or social reasons.
Is Gender Selection Legal in UAE?
Yes, gender selection is legal in the UAE, but it is regulated under strict ethical and medical guidelines.
As per Federal Law No. 7 of 2019 on Assisted Reproductive Technology, gender selection is permitted for:
- Avoiding sex-linked genetic diseases.
- Family balancing, provided the couple has children of one gender and wishes to have the opposite gender.
This ensures that the technology is used ethically and prevents misuse for purely preferential reasons. The process can only be carried out by licensed fertility centers approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and local health authorities like the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
How Gender Selection Works: The IVF Process
Gender selection is performed as part of an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle. IVF is a complex assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body and implanting selected embryos into the uterus.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
- Fertility Evaluation
Before starting the process, both partners undergo comprehensive fertility assessments, including:
- Blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, TSH)
- Semen analysis
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Genetic screening (if needed)
These tests help identify the best approach and detect any underlying issues that may affect the outcome.
- Ovarian Stimulation
The woman is prescribed hormonal medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Over 10–14 days, her progress is monitored using transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the follicles reach maturity, a “trigger shot” is administered to induce ovulation.
- Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under light sedation. Using a thin needle guided by ultrasound, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries.
- Sperm Collection
On the same day, a semen sample is collected from the male partner (or a donor, if needed). The healthiest sperm are isolated for fertilization.
- Fertilization and Embryo Culture
The retrieved eggs are fertilized with selected sperm using conventional IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The fertilized eggs are monitored in a lab for 3–5 days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
At the blastocyst stage, a few cells are carefully biopsied from each embryo and sent for PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy). This screening allows doctors to:
- Detect chromosomal abnormalities.
- Identify embryos with normal genetic composition.
- Determine the gender (XX or XY) with near-perfect accuracy.
PGT not only enables gender selection but also increases the chance of a successful pregnancy by selecting genetically healthy embryos.
- Embryo Transfer
Once healthy embryos of the desired gender are identified, one (or in some cases two) is selected for uterine transfer. The embryo is placed in the uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.
- Pregnancy Test and Monitoring
About 10–14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to confirm pregnancy. If positive, regular prenatal care begins.
IVF and Gender Selection: Success Rates
Thanks to technological advancements, gender selection using IVF and PGT is extremely accurate and effective. Here are some statistics:
- Accuracy of PGT for gender determination: Over 99.9%
- IVF success rates vary depending on the woman’s age:
- Women under 35: 55–65%
- Women aged 35–39: 40–50%
- Women aged 40–42: 20–30%
- Women over 42: 10–15%
Other factors that influence success include:
- Ovarian reserve and egg quality
- Sperm quality
- Uterine health
- Laboratory standards and expertise of the fertility team
Cost of Gender Selection in the UAE
Gender selection adds a significant cost to a regular IVF cycle. While prices may vary slightly between clinics and cities, below is a breakdown of typical costs:
|
Procedure |
Average Cost (AED) | Equivalent in USD |
| IVF Cycle (includes ICSI) |
25,000 – 35,000 |
$6,800 – $9,500 |
| Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) |
10,000 – 15,000 |
$2,700 – $4,100 |
| Hormonal Medication |
5,000 – 10,000 |
$1,400 – $2,700 |
| Embryo Freezing & Storage (Optional) |
2,000 – 5,000 |
$550 – $1,400 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 40,000 – 65,000 |
$11,000 – $17,500 |
Many clinics offer IVF packages that include consultation, medications, PGT, and embryo transfer. Some offer payment plans or financing options to make the procedure more accessible.
Why Choose the UAE for IVF and Gender Selection?
The UAE is among the most progressive countries in the Middle East when it comes to reproductive health. Here’s why many international couples choose the UAE:
- Modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art fertility labs
- Highly trained fertility specialists and embryologists
- Strict regulatory oversight by MOHAP and DHA
- Multilingual staff and culturally sensitive care
- No waiting lists
- Availability of gender selection for family balancing
One renowned name in the field is Dr. Mazen IVF Clinic, known for offering advanced reproductive technologies in compliance with UAE’s ethical and legal guidelines.
Emotional and Ethical Considerations
Gender selection is a deeply personal choice. Couples often face emotional, cultural, or religious dilemmas. It’s essential to:
- Seek counseling if uncertain.
- Involve both partners in decision-making.
- Understand that medical success does not guarantee a baby of the desired gender; there may be implantation or miscarriage risks.
In Islamic contexts, scholars generally permit gender selection for medical reasons and family balancing, but not for personal preference or social bias. Couples are encouraged to consult religious leaders for guidance.
Tips for a Successful Experience
- Start early: Fertility declines with age, especially for women over 35.
- Choose a licensed and experienced fertility clinic.
- Ensure the clinic offers in-house genetic testing for faster and more accurate results.
- Ask about PGT techniques and embryo freezing.
- Prepare emotionally and financially, as the process can be physically and mentally demanding.
Final Thoughts
Gender selection through IVF in the UAE is a scientifically sound, highly regulated process offering hope to couples with specific family goals or medical needs. With high accuracy rates, transparent costs, and a legal framework supporting ethical use, the UAE stands out as a leading destination for advanced reproductive care.
Whether you’re pursuing family balancing or preventing genetic disease, gender selection may be the key to realizing your dream of a complete family. When guided by expert fertility specialists such as those at Dr. Mazen IVF Clinic and supported by state-of-the-art facilities, the journey becomes not only possible but empowering.
References:
- UAE Federal Law No. 7 of 2019 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) – https://www.dha.gov.ae
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – https://www.mohap.gov.ae
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine – https://www.asrm.org
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) – https://www.sart.org
