MicroSort® is a scientific method that is currently in clinical trials evaluating a couple's increased chance of having a child of a particular gender. MicroSort® is used before conception to separate sperm into those that either primarily produce girls or those that primarily produce boys. The sorted sperm sample is then used with either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Currently, MicroSort® sperm separation for female gender selection (X-Sort) results in an average of 91% X-bearing sperm in the sorted specimen. MicroSort® sperm separation for male gender selection (Y-Sort) currently results in an average of 76% Y-bearing sperm in the sorted specimen. These data are determined by a technique called fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) which allows the number of X- and Y-bearing sperm cells to be counted from a fraction of the sorted sample. A child of the desired gender cannot be guaranteed because the current technology does not completely exclude either female or male sperm cells from the final prepared sample.
Currently couples must be in one of two categories. A couple with a history of an X-linked disease, where the woman is a known carrier, may qualify for free treatment with MicroSort®. Examples of such disorders include hemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Other couples can choose to use MicroSort® for family balancing. Family balancing couples must be married, the wife must be between ages 18 and 39, and they must have at least one child and be selecting for the less represented gender of children in their family.
The number of attempts (cycles) necessary to become pregnant depends on many factors, including (and not limited to) the age of the female, the quality of the semen specimen, the type of clinical procedure performed (IUI vs. IVF with ICSI), and numerous other factors. Our experience indicates that pregnancies are attained at approximately the same rate with MicroSort® sperm separation as those without MicroSort® sperm separation. If you choose to undergo insemination in Fairfax, the MicroSort® Clinic average cumulative IUI clinical pregnancy rate is currently 16.6% per treatment cycle. Our average IVF clinical pregnancy rate is 50% per treatment cycle. Please ask us about our current IVF statistics for our most recent and age-specific pregnancy success rates.
Dr. Roseff collaborates with The Genetics & IVF Institute (GIVF) MicroSort® Clinic and Laboratory located in Fairfax, Virginia. GIVF is a world-renowned genetics and infertility institute founded in 1984 and is the world-wide exclusive license holder of the MicroSort® process. GIVF has clinical facilities at their location where patients can undergo IUI. However, the majority of our patients have a sperm specimen sorted at GIVF, frozen, and then shipped to our IVF lab for use in an IVF/ICSI procedure.
While research and development funds at the Genetics & IVF Institute support the MicroSort® clinical trial, there is a charge for each sort to partially cover expenses. Cycle costs thereafter will vary depending on the medical procedure (IUI vs. IVF with ICSI) used. Insurance will probably not cover the MicroSort® portion of your procedures. If you have additional questions regarding costs, please either view the MicroSort® website by clicking HERE, or you may contact our office via phone (561-333-8232) or through e-mail (doc@reproendo.com).
Since the application of MicroSort® technology to humans has just recently become possible, only limited information is available on pregnancy rates, risks, or outcome in humans. The process is currently in an FDA approved clinical trials using an investigational device in accordance with FDA regulations and its use by patients requires the patients' informed consent. For further information regarding theoretical risk, you can refer to the discussion section and other sections of a paper published by GIVF by clicking HERE.
New technologies are examined for medical use in a clinical trial format. A clinical trial is a study monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) for various purposes, including ensuring safety and evaluating outcomes. The participants' written informed consent is obtained in such clinical investigations.
MicroSort® is the only scientifically verifiable method of pre-conception gender selection. It is showing positive results after more than 350 pregnancies. For couples today who are considering options for having a family, especially those with chromosome-linked concerns, MicroSort® gender selection is of serious interest. As the science continues to improve, we expect that MicroSort® will become a routine part of family planning.
Different procedures require different levels of involvement, depending upon whether you will undergo IUI or IVF/ICSI:
The couple wants to use a MicroSort® sperm separated specimen with an IVF with ICSI procedure and have the IVF done by Dr. Roseff in procedural collaboration with Dr. Manko's IVF lab in Florida. You can call us and inquire about our world-renowned latest IVF success rates.
The couple wants to use MicroSort® with intrauterine insemination (IUI). After all the necessary paperwork is completed, the couple must come to the MicroSort® Clinic in Fairfax, Virginia for the IUI procedure. There is monitoring of your ovulatory cycle that occurs prior to the IUI procedure, and this can be done with Dr. Roseff in Florida. On the scheduled day of the procedure, the husband will leave a specimen at the MicroSort® Laboratory in Fairfax, the sperm will be sorted, and the wife will have her IUI done later that same day.
The couple wants to use a MicroSort® sperm separated specimen for IVF with ICSI, along with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This may be arranged at the Genetics & IVF Institute in Virginia.
Frozen sperm has been used successfully for achieving pregnancies via IUI and IVF for many years. Cryoprotectants are normally added to the semen sample to protect the cells during the freezing process. However, freezing and thawing does reduce the number of viable sperm cells available for insemination. The combination of MicroSort® sperm separation and cryopreservation is currently best utilized with IVF and ICSI procedures since the number of viable sperm cells (sperm count) will be low. The feasibility of using frozen sorted sperm for IUI is currently unknown.
Each specimen is assigned and labeled with a unique identification number when received. Each specimen identification number is maintained throughout the process to assure rigorously accurate identification and tracking of each specimen.
There is no information of which we are aware that would indicate some men naturally produce an unbalanced number of X- and Y-bearing sperm cells. This seems true even when there is a family history of mostly female or male offspring. If you have significant doubt about your situation, it is possible to have a specimen tested by FISH prior to using the MicroSort® procedure.
Due to limited capacity, there may be a waiting list depending on when you desire to initiate a MicroSort® cycle, although we strive to minimize delays. It is advisable to schedule your consultation with Dr. Roseff as far in advance as possible of the time you desire to use MicroSort® gender selection. If a particular month's schedule is filled to capacity, individuals will be scheduled for the next available opening.
Caution: This procedure uses an investigational device. Limited by federal law to investigational use.
The Palm Beach Center for Reproductive Medicine
10115 West Forest Hill Blvd
Suite 401A
Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: 561-333-8232