The Ericsson Method is an assisted reproductive technology for sex selection, used before implantation. In this method, sperm that will give rise to male versus female children are separated by moving at different speeds through a protein solution. When used to increase the likelihood of a female child, studies have resulted in between 70% and 80% female children. When used to increase the likelihood of a male child, studies have resulted in between 50% to 75% male children.
Method
The Ericsson method is based on the belief that X-sperm swim slower than Y-sperm. Sperm are placed atop a "column" of increasingly thicker layers of albumin, and allowed to swim down into the solution. After a certain time period has elapsed, the sperm can be separated into the faster and slower swimmers. If the couple desires a male baby the faster swimmers are artificially inseminated, and if the couple desires a female baby the same procedure is enacted with the slower swimmers. This method differs from the Shettles method, which does not utilize artificial insemination. ERICSSON ALBUMIN METHODS FOR GENDER SELECTION Describe in layman's terms how the Ericsson Method works. Albumin Methods works. A fresh semen sample is provided to the laboratory for processing. Seminal fluid is separated from sperm by centrifugation. Sperm, in a known amount, are layered over a solution of human serum albumin in a vertical column. These sperm swim downward due to gravity and to their ability to swim. After several layers of albumin the final sperm fraction is collected, washed and re-suspended in a medium for artificial insemination. Most of the sperm have been eliminated, whereas those sperm that reach the bottom fraction are of the highest fertility and quality. These sperm are then inseminated artificially at the time of ovulation. In addition, for those couple that want a daughter the drug to induce ovulation is administered. The method by Shettles is like all of the other methods that make claims without direct evidence of effectiveness. That is it works one half of the time like anything else. The two clinical trials that tested the method by Shettles found no difference in the sex ratio. They further concluded that even if the method was valid to skew the sex ratio the steps are too complex for most couples to follow correctly.
History
It was developed and patented by Dr. Ronald Ericsson. The method has been in use since the mid-1970s.
