Shettles Method: Choosing Your Baby’s Sex – Science or Myth?
How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby: The Method Best Supported by Scientific Evidence
Dr. Landrum B. Shettles’ “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby: The Method Best Supported by Scientific Evidence” has been a go-to resource for hopeful parents dreaming of a pink or blue nursery for decades.
Published initially in 1971 and revised several times since, this book boldly claims to offer a scientifically-backed method for swaying the odds in favor of conceiving a boy or a girl.
But does “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” truly deliver on this promise, or is it just wishful thinking dressed up in scientific jargon?
This review dives into the Shettles Method, exploring its core principles, examining its scientific underpinnings, and weighing its potential effectiveness.
Unveiling the Shettles Method: A Glimpse Inside “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby”
“How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” introduces the world to the Shettles Method, a concept grounded in the premise that subtle differences between male (Y) and female (X) sperm can be exploited to influence the sex of the child.
Shettles posits that Y-carrying sperm are faster but more fragile, while X-carrying sperm are slower but more resilient.
The book then details a series of recommendations, from timing intercourse relative to ovulation to modifying the vaginal environment, all aimed at creating conditions more favorable to either the speedy Y-sperm or the hardier X-sperm.
The book promises to empower parents-to-be to take control of their reproductive destiny.
Navigating the Chapters: “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby’s” Structure
“How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” is structured in a clear and accessible manner, guiding readers through the author’s research and methodology.
The book begins by outlining the basic biology of sex determination, laying the groundwork for understanding the Shettles Method.
It then delves into the specifics of the method, explaining the rationale behind each recommendation. Shettles meticulously details the steps couples should take, covering everything from diet and douching to positions for intercourse.
Later chapters address potential challenges and offer troubleshooting advice.
While the book’s structure is generally sound, its scientific rigor could be improved with more updated research and acknowledgment of limitations.
Deconstructing the Shettles Method: A Critical Analysis of “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby”
Shettles’ method revolves around influencing the race to the egg.
For couples desiring a boy, the book advocates for timing intercourse as close to ovulation as possible, utilizing positions that deposit sperm closer to the cervix, and creating an alkaline vaginal environment through douching.
Conversely, for couples wanting a girl, the method suggests having intercourse two to three days before ovulation, using positions that deposit sperm further from the cervix, and creating a slightly acidic vaginal environment.
While “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” presents these recommendations with confidence, the scientific evidence supporting them is mixed at best. Many of the studies cited are small and lack the robust methodology needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Beyond “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby”: The Broader Landscape of Sex Selection
While “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” remains a popular resource, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the scientific community hasn’t reached a consensus on its effectiveness.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for instance, doesn’t endorse the Shettles Method.
In fact, several subsequent studies have failed to replicate Shettles’ findings.
This isn’t to say that influencing the sex of a baby is entirely impossible.
Proven medical techniques like sperm sorting (flow cytometry) offer much higher success rates, but they are also more invasive and expensive.
Deciding for Yourself: Is “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” Worthwhile?
“How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” by Dr. Landrum Shettles offers a tantalizing prospect: the ability to choose the sex of your child.
While the book’s claims should be approached with healthy skepticism, it provides a comprehensive overview of one approach to sex selection.
For those fascinated by the science of reproduction and willing to experiment with a low-risk method, “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” might offer some intriguing insights.
However, it’s important to recognize that the scientific evidence supporting the Shettles Method is limited, and success is far from guaranteed.
Shettles Method in “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby”: Sorting Fact from Fiction
Dr. Shettles’ book is not without its critics.
Many scientists argue that the proposed mechanisms are overly simplistic and that the research supporting the method is flawed.
Critics point out the lack of large-scale, randomized controlled trials to validate the Shettles Method’s claims.
Additionally, some of the suggested practices, like douching, can disrupt the natural vaginal flora and potentially increase the risk of infections.
“How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” sparks a crucial conversation about the ethical considerations surrounding sex selection.
While some may view choosing the sex of their child as a harmless exercise of parental autonomy, others express concerns about potential gender biases and societal implications.
Considering Alternatives in “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” Era
Couples deeply committed to choosing the sex of their child should explore alternative, medically-proven methods.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) combined with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offers a much higher success rate for sex selection.
This method involves fertilizing eggs in a laboratory and then screening the embryos for genetic abnormalities and sex before implantation.
While highly effective, PGD is significantly more expensive and complex than the Shettles Method.
A Final Verdict on “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby”
“How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” by Landrum B. Shettles remains a controversial book in the realm of reproductive science.
While it offers an intriguing method for sex selection, its claims are not fully supported by rigorous scientific evidence.
For couples curious about exploring this option, “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” can be a starting point, but it’s essential to approach the information with a critical eye, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, and recognize the limitations and potential risks involved.
For further information on family planning and reproductive health, visit the Planned Parenthood website (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/).
“How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby” is a thought-provoking read that opens a dialogue on the complexities of sex selection, the desire for parental control, and the ongoing interplay between science and hope in the journey of family planning.
