IUI Gender Selection: Can You Choose the Sex of a Baby With IUI?

By CNY Fertility Published on January 28, 2026 — Medically Reviewed and Certified by Lauren Miller, FNP-C

Many people hoping to have a child of a specific sex wonder what options are available to influence whether they have a male or female child. 

In researching their options, some may come across IUI with gender selection and wonder whether intrauterine insemination can be combined with sperm sorting techniques to meaningfully increase the chances of conceiving a baby of a desired sex. 

This article explains what is scientifically possible, what is realistically available in the United States, and which fertility treatments offer the most reliable path for those considering sex selection. 

Can You Choose the Sex of a Baby With IUI? 

IUI alone does not allow you to choose or control the sex of a baby. 

Without any sperm sorting or genetic testing, the chances of having a male or female child with IUI are approximately 50/50, the same as with natural conception.

Some techniques have attempted to improve these odds by separating sperm before insemination, but these approaches have significant limitations and do not offer certainty. 

How Gender Selection with IUI Is Attempted 

The Science Behind Sperm Sorting 

Sperm carry either: 

• An X chromosome, which may result in a female child 

• A Y chromosome, which may result in a male child 

Because X-bearing sperm contain slightly more DNA than Y-bearing sperm, researchers explored whether sperm could be separated before IUI to favor one sex.

There are two methods that are most often discussed online. 

MicroSort and IUI 

MicroSort uses flow cytometry to sort sperm based on DNA content.

What MicroSort Showed 

• Studied with IUI, IVF, and ICSI 

• Reported enrichment rates: 
  • Approximately 88% X-bearing sperm when selecting for female 
  • Approximately 73% Y-bearing sperm when selecting for male 

Availability in the United States 

• MicroSort required FDA oversight 

• The FDA clinical trial ended in 2012 

• MicroSort is not commercially available in the U.S. 

Why MicroSort Was Not Ideal for IUI 

• Sorting significantly reduces the total sperm count 
• Often leaves too few motile sperm for effective IUI 
• Pregnancy rates for MicroSort combined with IUI were lower compared to standard IUI and IVF 

Ericsson Method (Albumin Gradient) and IUI 

The Ericsson method attempts to enrich sperm using protein gradients and motility differences.

What to Know 

• Does not directly identify X or Y chromosomes 
• Results depend heavily on lab technique 
• Claims often range from 60–75% accuracy 
• Evidence is inconsistent and limited 

Practical Considerations 

• Offered by only a small number of clinics 
• Not standardized 
• No guarantee of fetal sex 

 Gender Selection Success Rate 

For those seeking a significant increase in odds, IUI-based methods generally fall short. 

Why CNY Fertility Does Not Offer Sex Selection With IUI 

CNY Fertility does not offer sperm sorting or gender selection with IUI. 

This decision is based on: 

• Limited availability of effective methods in the U.S. 
• Inconsistent and unreliable outcomes 
• Reduced pregnancy rates with IUI after sperm sorting 
• A commitment to evidence-based care and transparency 

Our priority is helping patients understand what works reliably, not promoting options that may create false expectations. 

Does IUI Affect Fetal Sex at All? 

No. 

There is no credible evidence that the following influences fetal sex: 

• Ovulation timing 
• Sexual position 
• Diet or supplements 
• Hormone stimulation protocols 

Only chromosomal testing can reliably determine embryo sex. 

The Most Accurate Option: IVF With Gender Selection 

For those who want the highest level of certainty, IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is the most reliable option available for gender selection. 

How IVF Sex Selection Works 

• Eggs are fertilized through IVF 
• Embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage 
• A small biopsy is taken from each embryo 
• PGT determines chromosomal makeup, including sex 
• An embryo of the desired sex may be selected for transfer 

Accuracy 

• Greater than 99% 
• Also screens for chromosomal abnormalities 
• Can improve implantation rates and reduce miscarriage risk 

IVF With Gender Selection Cost 

A common assumption is that IVF with gender selection is financially out of reach. While this may be true at many clinics, it is not always the case. 

IVF With Gender Selection Pricing Comparison 

• CNY Fertility: as little as $12,000 
• National average: $25,000+ 

These estimates typically include: 

• IVF cycle 
• Embryo biopsy 
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which determines embryo sex 
• Frozen embryo transfer (FET) 
• Fertility medications (or medication allowances, depending on the package) 

At many clinics, IVF with sex selection costs two to three times more than at CNY Fertility.  

Because CNY focuses on transparent, low-cost fertility care, sex selection through IVF is often far more attainable than patients expect. 

For some patients, IVF with PGT may be more cost-effective overall than multiple IUI cycles with lower success rates. 

Can IUI Be Used for Sex Selection? 

Technically: In limited, experimental contexts 

Practically: No, not reliably 

Clinically recommended: No, if accuracy matters 

If your goal is meaningful control over fetal sex, IVF with PGT is the gold standard. 

Final Takeaway 

• Sex selection through IUI is limited and unreliable 
• Sperm sorting methods are either unavailable or inconsistent in the U.S. 
• CNY Fertility does not offer IUI gender selection 
• IVF with PGT provides near-certainty 
• Thanks to CNY’s affordable pricing, IVF sex selection may be more accessible than you expect 

If you’re exploring your options, schedule an intro call or consultation to help you understand what’s realistic based on your goals, timeline, and budget.