What You Need To Know About Shettles Method and Why

The idea behind the Shettles Method of sex selection is based on the fact that the X and Y-chromosome carrying sperm have different characteristics and that under different circumstances either X- or Y-chromosome-carrying sperm will be more likely to fertilize the egg. It is a child conception idea that is reputed to help determine a baby’s gender developed by Landrum B. Shettles in the 1960s and was publicized in the book How To Choose the Sex of Your Baby, co-authored by Dr. Shettles and David Rorvik.(wikipedia)

According to Dr. Shettles, the sperm that carry the Y-chromosome are the "boy" sperms, while the ones that carry the X-chromosome are the "girl" sperms. The Y sperm are faster, smaller, more agile but they do not last as long as the "girl" sperm. The X sperm are bigger and move quite slowly. In addition to their overall speed, they have different preferences in terms of the acidity of the vagina and cervix. A Y-chromosome sperm does better in an alkaline environment while the X-chromosome sperm prefer an acidic environment as it can withstand the acidic cervical environment before fertile cervical fluid is produced.

Now that we have established the differences between the sperm that carry different chromosomes, it is important to understand how these differences can be used for natural gender selection according to Shettles Method. Once you have this information, you can begin trying to conceive a child that will be a specific gender.

If you want to have a boy,

o Time your intercourse as closely to ovulation as possible since these sperm do not live long. This gives the Y-chromosome sperm time to reach the egg before the X-chromosome sperm do, increasing the chances that you will have a boy.

o Sexual positions that allow deep penetration are preferred. Shettles Method suggests rear-entry or “doggy-style”. The sperm will be deposited closer to the cervix where cervical fluid is most friendly to Y-chromosome sperm and it is more likely to survive since there is less distance to travel

o Women to have orgasm first or at the same time. Dr Shettles suggests this will increase the alkaline secretions in the vagina that are favourable to Y-chromosome sperm

If you want to have a girl,

o Time intercourse a 2-3 days before expected ovulation since they live longer. This gives the X-chromosome sperm plenty of time to reach the egg. By the time you ovulate, the Y-chromosome sperm will have already died off, leaving only the X sperm behind. They will have the time needed to travel up through the cervix to reach the egg and fertilize it

o Sexual positions with shallow penetration are preferred. Shettles Method suggests “missionary position”, any position that will deposit the sperm away from cervix, exposing to acidic condition first, killing off Y-chromosome sperm and have time to fertilize the egg since it lasts longer

o Women to avoid orgasm. Dr. Shettles suggests it makes vaginal environment more acidic and is favourable to X-chromosome sperm

Shettles Method reviews are mixed as many woman claims that his method worked for them. Statistically, it has shown that it is 75 – 90 percent effective. Others may have not agreed since it shown no bearing on whether a boy or a girl is conceived. Being said so, there are more comprehensive natural methods that are known to be true, tried out and combine with, that may increase the chances in conceiving a boy or a girl.

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Whelan Method - An Overview

Whelan Method is another all-natural method to get your dream baby gender but it is the opposite of the Shettles Method. Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, developed this method in her book “Boy or Girl” believing that your chances for conceiving a baby girl is much better when it is done as close to ovulation as possible. This is a timed intercourse method for gender selection, which is similar to the Shettles method. This is a simple and easy method to use, but many experts do not agree with this method or the Shettles method claiming there are flaws but they both have one thing in common. Timing is the key to your dream baby gender.

Which method should we choose? The accuracy rate with gender selection with the Whelan Method is around 68 percent correct for boy babies and 57 percent correct for girl babies. However, without any type of baby gender selection, it is likely to be a 50/50 chance for most parents and most experts believe this method is close to it. It also promises a rate that is slightly lower than the Shettles Method giving an edge for most couples using Shettles Method.

The concept behind gender selection with the Whelan Method is to have intercourse four to six days before your basal body temperature goes up if you desire a boy and two to three days before you ovulate for a girl. Trying different positions along with the times may in fact also raise the accuracy. Moreover, they are free, safe, and all you have to do is take your temperature and watch the dates on the calendar.

With the Whelan Method explained, it is good to be true or it is just a fallen out method. With a major critics on her recommended times of having intercourse is too far away from when you could possibly get pregnant at all, people tend to use Shettles Method instead. Judging the accuracy of Whelan’s book is difficult since fewer couples used them. Some couples even find that it makes no scientific sense and decide to go with Shettles. However, people who choose to follow the Whelan Method usually tend to combine other natural methods as well with timing to increase their chances of success.

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