Dreaming of a boy or a girl?
The truth about the Shettles method, how you can influence the sex of your baby to conceive a girl or boy and how you can increase your chance for a baby boy or girl.
A critical look at the theory behind gender selection and why there are better options to conceive a girl or a boy.
If you're exploring the idea of choosing the sex of the baby, you've probably come across methods that claim to help determine the gender of your baby. The Shettles Method, introduced by Dr. Landrum Shettles, is one such method that promises to influence whether your baby will be a boy or a girl by adjusting the timing of sexual activity. It sounds tempting, right? But is it really that simple to increase your chances of conceiving the desired sex?
In this blog, I’ll explain how the Shettles Method works, why it’s gained popularity, and why I don’t recommend it. By the end, you’ll also learn about modern, scientifically proven alternatives to help you try to conceive a healthy baby boy or girl with confidence.
The Theory Behind the Shettles Method and how you can influence the sex of a baby
The Shettles Method is based on the idea that male and female sperm—responsible for determining the sex of the baby—have different characteristics:
- Male (Y chromosome) sperm: Faster and smaller but less durable.
- Female (X chromosome) sperm: Slower but more robust.
According to Shettles, the timing of sexual activity plays a critical role:
- For a boy: Conjugal act as close to ovulation as possible is believed to increase the chances of conceiving a boy, as faster Y sperm may reach the egg first.
- For a girl: Intimacy three days before ovulation is thought to favor the hardier X sperm, as they survive longer in the reproductive tract.
Shettles also believed that the vaginal environment, influenced by diet, plays a role in gender pre-selection. A more acidic environment supposedly helps conceive a baby girl, while an alkaline environment is thought to increase the chances of conceiving a baby boy. This is based on the idea that the vaginal pH affects how sperm survive and interact with the egg during fertilization, ultimately influencing conception and the likelihood of getting pregnant with the desired sex.
Does it increase your chances of having a girl or a boy with the shettles method?
According to Shettles, the method involves careful planning of sexual relations in relation to ovulation:
Timing to Conceive with the Shettles Method
The core of the Shettles Method revolves around ovulation.
- To conceive a boy, Shettles claims timing of sexual activity should take place as close to the day of ovulation as possible—ideally within 12 hours after ovulation.
- To conceive a girl, sexual intercourse is recommended three to four days before ovulation to give X sperm an advantage.
This requires a precise understanding of your cycle, often involving ovulation tests or tracking basal body temperature.
Sex Positions
Shettles also thought that sex positions might affect sperm survival:
- For a boy, positions involving deep penetration, like doggy style are suggested, as they deposit sperm closer to the cervix, giving male sperm a head start.
- or a girl, shallow penetration positions like missionary are believed to create a longer journey for sperm, favoring the hardier X chromosome sperm.
How Vaginal pH and Diet Affect Gender Selection
The Shettles Method includes gender pre-selection by maternal diet in combination with timing:
- For a boy: An alkaline diet (rich in sodium and potassium) is said to promote Y sperm survival.
- For a girl: An acidic diet (rich in calcium and magnesium) is believed to favor X sperm.
This process aims to improve fertilization chances by aligning sperm survival with the conditions most favorable for the desired gender. Shettles believed that the vaginal environment—affected by diet and pH levels—plays a critical role in determining which sperm successfully fertilize the egg.
Frequency of Intercourse
Shettles advises abstinence for several days before intercourse to improve sperm count and quality, especially when hoping for a boy.
The Pros and Cons of the Shettles Method
The Shettles Method might seem like an exciting way to take control of your family planning, but let’s be honest – what appears simple and natural has many drawbacks in practice.
Pros
- Non-invasive: The method is natural and does not involve medical interventions like embryo selection.
- Low cost: No expensive treatments are required.
- A sense of control: Couples may feel proactive in their efforts to choose the sex of their baby.
Cons
- Unproven: The chance of success is not higher than random chance.
- Stressful: The timing of sexual intercourse can cause unnecessary pressure and strain on relationships.
- Potential risks: Practices like douching or extreme diets can upset the body’s natural balance.
As you can see, the risks often outweigh the benefits, which is why it’s important to consider safer, more reliable alternatives.
" The Shettles method is a myth - 100% gender selection is only possible with IVF and genetic testing."
The Whelan Method vs. the Shettles Method
The Whelan Method offers a different approach to sex selection:
- For a boy: Intercourse four to six days before ovulation is recommended.
- For a girl: Intercourse closer to ovulation is thought to increase chances.
The Whelan Method takes hormonal changes during the cycle into account, though, like Shettles, it lacks proven results.
While methods like Shettles and Whelan sound appealing, they are based on outdated science and have no proven success rates. If you’re hoping for a girl or want to conceive a boy, modern alternatives like PGD provide much better outcomes without the emotional strain.
My Verdict: Why I Don’t Recommend the Shettles Method
The Shettles Method might sound like a charming way to influence your baby's gender, but I’ll be honest: I find it ineffective and potentially harmful – emotionally, physically, and even within a relationship.
Here’s why:
- No proven results: There’s no solid evidence that this method works. No matter how closely you follow the rules, the chance remains 50:50.
- Emotional strain: The stress of timing everything perfectly can be overwhelming, especially if it doesn’t work immediately.
- Outdated science: Why rely on old theories when modern, science-based methods can give you clear results?
I completely understand the desire to plan for a specific gender – it’s a deeply personal and valid wish. That’s why I focus on helping women explore professional, safe, and effective options to achieve their dream family.
Do These Methods Actually Work?
None of these methods have been scientifically proven to increase your chances of conceiving a specific gender. Studies have found that the chances of conceiving a boy or girl remain around 50:50 regardless of timing, diet, or sex positions. Shettles claims success rates of 75-80%, but these numbers are not backed by research.
Modern Alternatives: Scientifically Proven Options ike preimplantation genetic diagnosis
If you want to increase your chances of conceiving a specific gender, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a reliable option. Conducted during IVF, PGD involves screening embryos for genetic and chromosomal characteristics, including sex.
- Nearly 100% accuracy: PGD allows you to choose the sex of your baby with confidence.
- For those hoping for a boy or a girl: This is the most effective method for gender selection.
While PGD is not available everywhere, it offers a safe, scientifically proven solution for couples serious about determining the sex of their baby.
Next Steps Towards Your Dream Family
Choosing the sex of your baby is a personal journey, and it’s normal to have a preferred sex in mind. While the Shettles Method may claim to help you conceive a specific gender, scientifically backed methods like PGD offer far greater reliability.
If you’d like to learn more about gender selection, I invite you to download my free guide. In it, you’ll find:
- Information on countries where PGD is available.
- Success rates and pricing examples, including a detailed look at a clinic in Northern Cyprus.
- Insights into how modern methods can help you achieve your dream family.
Take the first step today by downloading the guide—it’s free and filled with valuable information to help you on your journey to a healthy baby.
Download the guide today to take your first step towards building the family you've always dreamed of!
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