“It's a Boy/Girl” Thing

Newspaper Column Ad Appearing 4-30-03

Above all else, childbirth is largely a joyous affair in which fathers pass out cigars and mothers display blue or pink ribbons and balloons. And parents are no different the world over in this respect except they celebrate childbirth differently. In Japan, for instance, they fly kites; in Brazil, they play drums; and in Korea, red peppers are strung outside the door to announce the arrival of a baby boy and straw for a baby girl. The Swiss plant an apple tree for a girl and a nut tree for a boy. Israeli Jews, on the other hand, plant a cedar tree for a boy and a pine tree for a girl – the branches of which are later used for a wedding canopy.

The sex of a child is determined at the time of egg fertilization. If the egg (which always has an X-chromosome) is fertilized by an X-chromosome-bearing sperm, a baby girl is conceived. If the egg is fertilized by a Y-chromosome-bearing sperm, a boy is conceived. Based on this concept, many different methods of sperm separation have been developed over the years to increase the chance for male or female offspring. However, recent data suggesting that an egg may preferentially choose an X- or Y-bearing sperm have thrown a monkey-wrench into these considerations. For a medical practice devoted to sex preselection, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology, please telephone OAK BROOK FERTILITY CENTER, a place where dreams are conceived and hopes delivered. New patients are welcome.

P.S. In Mexico, the arrival of a newborn is celebrated by tossing colored confetti into the air.

© Copyright Oak Brook Fertility Center