Sex-selection kits

What it is

These at-home kits are based on the Shettles theory. Separate girl and boy kits include a thermometer, ovulation predictor test sticks, vitamins, herbal extracts, and douches that are supposedly gender specific.

Effectiveness

Kit makers claim a 96 percent success rate. But the American Society for Reproductive Medicine tells consumers not to bet on it. Some medical experts go a step further and say the kit maker's claims are without scientific merit.

How it's done

You track your cycle using the thermometer and ovulation predictor test sticks (which you urinate on). Following the Shettles method, you have intercourse two to four days before ovulation if you want a girl and as close as possible to ovulation if you want a boy. The douche is intended to change the vaginal environment to "influence the chances that either an X-carrying sperm or a Y-carrying sperm will be successful in fertilizing the egg." Vitamins and herbal extracts are also included to supposedly boost your odds of getting the gender of your choice.

Pros

• Requires no invasive medical procedures.
• Convenient.

Cons

• The success rate claimed by the makers is questionable.
• Expensive

Cost

$199 for a 30-day kit.

Availability

Sex-selection kits are available through GenSelect.

For more information

Learn more about sex-selection kits at GenSelect's Web site.