Family Balancing

With today’s advanced reproductive technologies, identifying the gender of your embryos before pregnancy is possible through IVF and Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), sometimes referred to as Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis or PGD. The combined method of CCS and IVF is the most accurate method available today, with accuracy nearing 100% . Fakih IVF offers Family Balancing through Gender Selection in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Fakih IVF is the only IVF center in the Middle East with an in-house Genetics Lab capable of performing CCS with IVF. Read below for the steps and duration of IVF with Family Balancing. 

International Couples: If you are interested in Family Balancing, Fakih IVF can help! Email our International Patient Advisor to get started.

What is Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening?

Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), also known as “embryo screening”, is a test performed on a few cells obtained from the embryo and provides the following benefits: 

• Screen all 24 chromosomes for any chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome and Edward’s syndrome
• Identify the gender of embryos
• Embryos without chromosomal abnormalities are at reduced risk for miscarriage

Fakih IVF is the only IVF center in the Middle East capable of performing CCS in-house

What Are The Steps And Duration Of Family Balancing?

Completing CCS with an IVF-ICSI cycle does not change the duration of treatment. Following Egg Retrieval, if the eggs are fertilized successfully, a biopsy is taken from each embryo and tested through CCS. The healthy embryos of the desired gender are then transferred to the uterus. The following steps take place over 15 to 20 days.

• Ovarian Stimulation (7 To 10 Days):

  On Day 2 or 3 of the Menstrual cycle, medication is prescribed to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries. During this time, follicular growth is monitored through ultrasound as they develop into eggs and hormone levels are tracked through blood tests. Medication protocols are changed as needed. 36 – 40 hours before the scheduled Egg Retrieval, an hCG “trigger” shot is given to induce maturation of the eggs within a scheduled timeframe.

• Egg Retrieval (OPU):

  Eggs are retrieved using a thin ultrasound-guided needle during a short procedure under sedation. The number of eggs retrieved depends on the body’s response to the medication.

• Sperm Collection And ICSI:

  On the day of Egg Retrieval, a semen sample is taken to fertilize the retrieved eggs. To increase chances of fertilization, a single sperm is injected into each egg using a precision needle in a method called ICSI.

• Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS):

  Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) will be completed for family balancing or to screen for any chromosomal abnormalities. 3 to 5 days after the Egg Retrieval, a biopsy is taken from each embryo and tested in the Genetics Lab. The health and gender of the embryos is identified and discussed with you before Embryo Transfer.

• Embryo Transfer (ET):

  Embryo Transfer is a minor procedure that does not require sedation. Following the procedure, hormone levels are tracked through blood test to confirm pregnancy.

*The above dates are an approximation of an average cycle

If you are interested in family balancing or any other assisted reproduction treatment,  book an appointment with Fakih IVF or email our doctors to have your questions answered. If you are living abroad and are interested in Family Balancing or any other treatment provided by Fakih IVF, email our International Patient Coordinator to get started on your journey.