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Foreword: The Shettles Method of choosing the sex of our children has been around since the 70s. It seems that not too many have noticed it or even aware of it. In our Filipino culture, there are quite a number of superstitions with regards to the choice of the sex of the next baby. But as superstitions go, these have really no scientific basis at all, unlike the Shettles Method which is primarily based on the fact that there are two types of sperm cells: the androsperm (Y-bearing) which makes a boy and the gynosperm (X-bearing) which results to a girl. The following article was freely lifted from the Web and is simply intended to
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provide information and create awareness about the Shettles Method. It is not intended to encourage any form of experimentation, although couples who are planning on the next baby may learn a lesson or two from this article. Unfortunately, I cannot offer any testimony about the effectiveness of the method because I learned about it too late: my two sons have seen the light of day when I stumbled upon this method. I have listed a number of other reference articles from the Web at the end of this booklet. These other articles provide a glimpse of the experiences of other people on the effectiveness of the Shettles Method. Clifford A. Paragua, July2020 4
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The Shettles Method for Choosing the Sex of Your Children The Shettles method is the world's best known gender selection method, achieving fame in the million copy bestseller How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby. Dr. Landrum Shettles claimed a 75% to 90% success rate for his simple, at-home method, which advises how to time intercourse to conceive a boy or a girl.
The Shettles Theory
Shettles theorized that the two different types of sperm, X-chromosome-bearing sperm and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm, had different properties.
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Y-Bearing Sperm Male-Producing
Smaller, round-headed Faster More fragile, shorter-lived
X-Bearing Sperm Female-Producing
Larger, oval-headed Slower More resilient, longer-lived
Shettles hoped that these properties could be used to choose a baby's sex.
Under ideal conditions, the Y-sperm's faster speed should prevail, winning the race to the egg and conceiving a boy.
Under less than ideal conditions, fewer of the fragile Y-sperm will survive. The X-sperm's resilience and staying power should win the day, conceiving a girl.
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Shettles Advantages and Disadvantages Shettles Advantages
FREE, except the Shettles book, and any ovulation tracking supplies you might choose to buy.
An at-home method you can use in the privacy of your own home. Conception occurs naturally, and few people have ethical or moral objections.
If you are trying for a boy, the Shettles method will guide you to optimum fertility, making it easier to conceive.
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Shettles Disadvantages 
To use the Shettles method, you must learn to detect ovulation, which requires some practice and a little dedication. However, this is really something every woman should know about anyway.
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If you are trying for a girl, Shettles advises avoiding intercourse on your peak days of fertility, which can make it very difficult to get pregnant at all.
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There is no scientific evidence to support the Shettles method, and some studies have disproved it.
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Ovulation Tracking Dr. Shettles believed that correctly timing intercourse was the most important factor in choosing to conceive a boy or girl. This means you must learn to detect when you ovulate, and spend a few cycles practicing until you are not only able to determine when ovulation has occurred, but to predict when it is about to occur.
Shettles Scorecard The Shettles book claims "30 years of consistent success", but what's the real score? The scorecard results are based on the outcome of nearly 700 women who were reasonably sure they knew
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both the day of ovulation and the day of intercourse. Although the results show a slight increase in girl conceptions 3 days before ovulation, and a slight increase in boy conceptions at ovulation, it is not close to Shettles' claim of "at least a 75% chance of having a child of the desired sex", and certainly a far cry from the claim that "some researchers have reported success rates up to 90%!" on the book's cover.
Claimed Actual Grade Shettles for a GIRL
75%
65%
C-
Comments: Intercourse 3 days before ovulation does show a 11
noticeable increase over the natural odds of about 50%. However, intercourse on other days (2 or 4 days) before ovulation does not show any greater chance of having a girl. Shettles for a BOY
80%
60%
D
Comments: Intercourse on the day of ovulation increases the chance of a boy somewhat. Fertility for a GIRL
D
Comments: All Shettles recommendations for conceiving a girl hamper fertility, making it harder to get pregnant at all. Attempting Shettles for a girl may take many more cycles to get pregnant, or not at all.
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Fertility for a BOY
A+
Comments: All Shettles recommendations for conceiving a boy lead to optimum fertility. Following Shettles for a boy should lead to pregnancy as soon as possible (assuming there are no fertility problems).
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How to Conceive a Boy Shettles Method Timing intercourse: Have intercourse the day of ovulation.
Timing intercourse correctly is the most important factor. Learn to detect when you ovulate and practice until you're sure you understand your body's signals that ovulation is approaching.
The ideal time for intercourse is 12 hours before ovulation.
Have intercourse only once on the day of ovulation.
If you are tracking ovulation by the BBT method, time intercourse for the day of the "dip" in temperature before the BBT rise.
If you are tracking ovulation by the CM method, time intercourse as close as possible to the shift from peak mucus back to thicker, cloudier mucus.
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Why is this important? 
Conditions for conception are ideal on the day of ovulation, favoring the faster Y-sperm. The egg is released at ovulation and is waiting for the sperm, so the sperm don't use up their short lives waiting for the egg to show up. Also, the environment of the vagina becomes more hospitable to sperm at ovulation; the cervical fluid increases and becomes more slippery, making it easier for the sperm to swim, and also becomes more alkaline, helping the sperm to survive.
Abstinence: The father must not ejaculate during the 4 - 5 days before ovulation. 
Intercourse and ejaculation are okay up until 4 to 5 days before ovulation, but after that point the father must avoid any ejaculation until the day of ovulation.
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Always use a condom when you have intercourse, both before and after ovulation, to prevent the possibility of conceiving on days when it is more likely 15
to have girl. (Except, of course, during your one attempt on the day of ovulation.)
Avoiding ejaculation allows a higher sperm count to build up. Dr. Shettles associated a higher sperm count with more male offspring.
Scrotal temperature: The father should "keep it cool".
The father should make sure to avoid excessive heat around the scrotum, which can be caused by tight, hot clothing, or an overly hot workplace.
Choose boxers. Even close-fitting underwear can make the scrotum too warm by holding it too closely against the body.
No saunas, hot tubs, or scuba diving.
Bicycling has been linked to impotence and reduced sperm count, so while you are actively trying to conceive you may want to choose another sport.
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The optimum temperature for sperm production is a little lower than body temperature, which is why a man's sperm factory is housed in a handy bag just outside the body -- the scrotum. If the temperature is too warm, sperm count for both X and Y sperm will be reduced, but the more fragile Y-sperm will perish first.
Sperm count: The father should avoid other causes of reduced sperm count.
Illness can temporarily reduce sperm count, so if the father is sick you may want to delay your attempt until the following cycle.
Smoking, drug and alcohol use, and exposure to toxic chemicals, can all reduce sperm count.
Emotional stress is associated with lower sperm counts. You may want to check into relaxation techniques.
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are lifestyle changes that can improve sperm count.
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Lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lower sperm count. You may want to try a nutritional supplement for enhancing male fertility.
If you're worried that you may have a low sperm count, you can use an at-home semen analysis kit to check your sperm concentration.
Any form of stress, not just heat, can affect sperm production and lower sperm count.
Diet: The father may have some caffeine just before intercourse. The father can have a couple of cups of coffee (or other caffeinated drink) fifteen minutes to half an hour before intercourse.
Dr. Shettles believed the caffeine would give both types of sperm a boost, but that Y-sperm would get a little more of a boost.
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Female orgasm: Have one! 
The woman should try to have an orgasm during intercourse, ideally just before the man's. (If you don't, though, don't get too hung up about it.)
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Female orgasm causes the cervical fluid to become even more plentiful and alkaline, and thus more hospitable to the sperm, which would again favor the faster swimming Y-sperm.
Vaginal environment: Try to make the vagina as alkaline as possible. 
Douching: Dr. Shettles originally recommended enhancing the vagina's alkalinity with a baking soda douche, but in his book's latest edition, he recommends douching only for women who are very acidic, and under the advice of a doctor. Please consult your doctor before using a douche. If you do decide to douche, here is how to prepare a baking soda douche:
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Use 2 tablespoons of baking soda in warm (not hot) mineral or filtered water.
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Wash your hands and mix thoroughly in a clean glass.
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Cover glass with a napkin, and wait 10 minutes to allow to completely dissolve.
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Most drugstores have reusable douche kits available. You may also be able to buy an inexpensive disposable douche (with a removable top), and pour out the original contents. Since most douches are acidic, rinse very thoroughly. Douching is linked to vaginal infections, and associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Consult your doctor before using a douche. Dietary supplements: Although not mentioned by Dr. Shettles, many women also try the gender diet, dietary supplements, and eating alkalizing foods.
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How to Conceive a Girl Shettles Method Timing intercourse: Have intercourse 2 to 4 days before ovulation. 
Timing intercourse correctly is the most important factor. Learn to detect when you ovulate and practice until you're sure you understand your body's signals that ovulation is approaching. You will probably need to track ovulation for several cycles to be able to accurately predict ovulation several days in advance. Timing for a girl can be tricky, because intercourse too early won't cause pregnancy; but intercourse too close to ovulation is more likely to cause a boy.
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Be sure to avoid intercourse on the day of your peak CM (a method for detecting ovulation).
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Why is this important?
Because many of the sperm will use up their short lives waiting for the egg to arrive, this should give the typically longer-lived X-sperm an advantage. Also, the cervical fluid in the vagina is less hospitable to sperm prior to ovulation, because it is scant, sticky, and more acidic. All of these conditions are unfavorable for both kinds of sperm, but since X-sperm are more resilient, the Y-sperm should perish first and make it more likely to conceive a girl.
Have intercourse often, right up until the "cutoff" of 2 to 4 days before ovulation.
After the last day of your period, have intercourse frequently, up until 2 to 4 days before you suspect you will ovulate.
Do not have intercourse again until 2 or 3 days after ovulation has occurred. Intercourse with a condom is okay after this point.
During practice cycles, use condoms only. Other forms of birth control can 22
disguise the fertility signals you are trying to track to accurately detect ovulation.
Frequent ejaculation naturally lowers sperm count, which Dr. Shettles believed would favor conceving a girl. Note: Shettles did NOT recommend artificially trying to lower sperm count by "reversing" the boy method, because it could result in lowering male fertility.
Diet: The mother should avoid caffeine.
Dr. Shettles reported that caffeine could be detrimental to female fertility.
Sexual position: Shallow penetration using the missionary position.
Use the face-to-face position, with the man on top.
Shallow penetration will cause the sperm to be deposited further from the cervix (the entrance to the uterus). The 23
sperm then must traverse more of the vagina, where the X-sperm's staying power should win out.
Female orgasm: Avoid it. 
The woman should try not to have an orgasm during intercourse.
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Female orgasm causes the cervical fluid to become even more plentiful and alkaline, and thus more hospitable to the sperm, which would favor the faster swimming Y-sperm.
Vaginal environment: Try to make the vagina as acidic as possible. 
Douching: Dr. Shettles originally recommended enhancing the vagina's alkalinity with a vinegar douche, but in his book's latest edition, he recommends douching only under the advice of a doctor. Please consult your doctor before using a douche. If you do decide to douche, most drugstores sell inexpensive, premade disposable vinegar douches. Use the 24
douche about 15 minutes before intercourse. 
Douching is linked to vaginal infections, and associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Consult your doctor before using a douche.
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Dietary supplements: Although not mentioned by Dr. Shettles, many women also try the gender diet, dietary supplements, and eating acidifying foods.
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About Dr. Landrum B. Shettles Millions know Dr. Shettles because of his famous book about choosing the sex of your baby. But he was also known as a pioneer in infertility treatment, and one of the first experimenters with human conception outside the human body. He is sometimes even called "the father of in vitro fertilization (IVF)", and developed the method called GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) for patients who couldn't use normal IVF. He also developed methods for photographing babies in the womb at only a few weeks of gestation, and his work with human conception led him to oppose abortion.
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Dr. Shettles and the First IVF Baby (Almost) The book Pandora's Baby: How the First Test Tube Babies Sparked the Reproductive Revolution describes how Dr. Shettles was almost responsible for the first test tube baby. In 1973, a desperate John and Doris Del-Zios turned to Dr. William Sweeney of New York Hospital, who collaborated with Dr. Shettles at Columbia-Presbyterian to attempt the first IVF treatment. Shettles had been experimenting with sperm and eggs since the 1950s, when no one believed that fertilization outside the human body could possibly result in pregnancy, much less a living, healthy baby. But while the Del-Zios 27
embryos were incubating in a borrowed lab, Shettles, "in his rapid, excited twitter, proceeded to tell everyone he met that he was brewing a test-tube baby on the 16th floor". When Columbia officials learned of the rogue experiment, it was destroyed. Shettles' boss was sued by the Del-Zios for the loss of their potential biological child; and there was probably little doubt in the minds of the jurors that that potential had been real, because the trial occurred the same month as the celebrated birth of Louise Brown, the world's first "test tube baby", in England. Shettles had already been considered a maverick, and many of his colleagues disapproved of the "bad 28
science" in his book on choosing your baby's sex. Bypassing ethics guidelines for human experimentation in the Del-Zios case cost him his job, and ruined his reputation.
Dr. Shettles Against Abortion In his book Rites of Life: The Scientific Evidence for Life Before Birth, Dr. Shettles described each stage in the development of the human fetus from conception to birth. He argued that abortion should be prohibited from the clear evidence that life begins at conception. His work with human conception, and the life of the fetus in the womb, are widely cited in anti-abortion texts.
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"I oppose abortion. I do so, first, because I accept what is biologically manifest - that human life commences at the time of conception - and second, because I believe it is wrong to take innocent human life under any circumstances. My position is scientific, pragmatic and humanitarian."
-- Dr. Landrum B. Shettles
Dr. Shettles, Inventor of GIFT In the 1970s, Dr. Shettles developed the technique now known as gamete intrafallopian transfer, or GIFT. GIFT is very similar to IVF, except that in IVF embryos that have been incubated are placed in the woman's uterus; with GIFT, the egg and sperm are placed directly in the mother's Fallopian tubes, where they would 30
have met under normal conditions. Because fertilization takes place naturally, inside the mother's body instead of in a laboratory, patients using GIFT do not face the dilemma of how to dispose of extra embryos faced by those using IVF.
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Other articles on the Web about the Shettles Method https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shettles_method https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/shettles-method-sex-sel ection#:~:text=The%20Shettles%20method%20of%20se x%20selection%20is%20based%20on%20the,which%20 sex%20the%20couple%20desires. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/shettles -method#definition https://www.fairhavenhealth.com/shettlesmethod/ https://www.huggies.com.sg/en-sg/parenting-center/g ettingpregnant/shettles-method https://babyology.com.au/pregnancy/getting-pregnant/ conception/the-shettles-method-does-it-work/ https://www.babymed.com/getting-pregnant-concepti on-implantation/how-conceive-boy-or-girl-shettles-met hod https://www.kidspot.com.au/birth/conception/gettingpregnant/tried-and-tested-ways-to-increase-your-chanc es-of-conceiving-a-boy/news-story/3e9f5f47c50c70a60 99e408fbb05388c https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/choosing-sexof-your-child#1 32