With the rise of advanced fertility technologies, many hopeful parents are asking: Can you choose genes with IVF, and if so, how much?
IVF allows for detailed genetic screening, but not genetic engineering. Knowing which traits can be selected (and which cannot) helps you make empowered, ethical and medically sound choices for your journey.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- What you can and cannot choose through IVF
- How preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) works with surrogacy
- When and why genetic screening may be recommended
If you’re searching for an IVF clinic that provides genetic screening for embryos, we can connect you with a reputable clinic in your area. Fill out our easy form today.
Can You Choose Your Baby’s Genes With IVF?
The short answer is no. At least, not in the way pop culture often suggests. While modern fertility treatments offer powerful genetic insights, they don’t let you pick traits like eye color, intelligence or personality.
Instead, many IVF programs incorporate preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a tool that helps identify embryos with specific genetic conditions before they are transferred to a gestational surrogate. There are two common types:
- PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): Screens for chromosomal abnormalities that could impact development or lead to failed implantation.
- PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders): Detects inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs.
These tests don’t change or edit an embryo’s genes. Rather, they provide a detailed look at the genetic makeup that’s already present when sperm and egg combine.
Think of PGT like reading a book, not rewriting the story. You can choose which embryo to transfer based on that information, but you cannot modify or select specific traits beyond medical screening.
Have questions about IVF and genetic screening? Learn more about pre-implantation genetic testing for IVF and surrogacy.
What Can You Choose With IVF?
Most of the traits people imagine choosing, such as eye color, hair color, intelligence or athleticism are polygenic, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes and complex environmental factors.
These traits involve thousands of genetic interactions that science is still learning to decode. Current IVF technology cannot detect or select for these traits, and no test can guarantee them.
What IVF can do is help screen for certain inherited conditions and chromosomal abnormalities, allowing you to prioritize embryo health and pregnancy success. Below is a breakdown of what’s possible and what isn’t.
Can You Choose Eye Color With IVF?
No, you cannot choose eye color with IVF. Although eye color is genetic, it’s influenced by multiple genes that control pigmentation.
IVF clinics do not screen for these cosmetic traits. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is focused on identifying serious medical conditions, not selecting for appearance.
Can You Choose Hair Color With IVF?
No, hair color selection is not possible with IVF. Like eye color, hair color involves multiple genes and can change over time.
IVF with PGT doesn’t include analysis of pigmentation genes and cannot guarantee any particular hair color in a child.
Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby With IVF?
Yes — to a degree. When using PGT-A, the sex chromosomes of each embryo are visible during testing. This means if you have multiple healthy embryos of different sexes, you can choose which embryo to transfer first.
However, you can only choose from the embryos you already have. There’s no guarantee you’ll produce viable embryos of both sexes, and selection doesn’t influence the creation of future embryos.
Concerned about sex-linked conditions? Learn more about IVF and embryo sex selection.
Can You Remove Certain DNA Through IVF?
No, IVF cannot remove or change an embryo’s DNA. This is a common misconception.
While PGT allows you to analyze the DNA of embryos, it does not modify them. The embryo’s genetic makeup is fixed at the moment of fertilization.
Removing, editing, or altering DNA, such as through CRISPR gene-editing, is not part of any standard IVF or surrogacy process and is not legally permitted in clinical practice in the U.S.
Can IVF Avoid Autism?
No, IVF cannot be used to prevent autism. Autism spectrum disorder is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, and no single genetic marker determines whether a child will be autistic.
There is currently no test that can screen for or eliminate autism through IVF, and reputable clinics will not make such claims.
Can IVF Avoid Down Syndrome?
Yes, IVF combined with PGT-A can screen for chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21, the cause of Down syndrome. If an embryo has an extra copy of chromosome 21, it will be identified during genetic screening. This allows intended parents to avoid transferring affected embryos, reducing the risk of a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Can You Use IVF to Avoid Cystic Fibrosis?
Yes, IVF can screen for cystic fibrosis (CF) using PGT-M, which looks for mutations in the CFTR gene. If both genetic contributors are carriers, PGT-M helps determine which embryos inherited the faulty gene.
Intended parents can then choose to transfer only unaffected embryos — a crucial option for families with a history of genetic conditions.
How Does Sex Selection Work with IVF and Surrogacy?
Sex selection is one of the few traits you can choose during the IVF process but it’s important to understand how and why.
When you undergo preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), embryologists analyze the chromosomes of each embryo.
As part of this process, they can determine whether each embryo carries XX chromosomes (female) or XY chromosomes (male). If you have healthy embryos of both sexes, you can choose which one to transfer first.
For intended parents pursuing IVF with surrogacy, this may offer a degree of choice, but only within the limits of what your embryo pool allows.
Pros of Sex Selection through IVF
- Family balancing: Can help shape desired family composition
- Medical necessity: May help prevent sex-linked genetic diseases
- Planning flexibility: Gives intended parents more choice in embryo selection
Cons and Considerations
- Ethical concerns: Raises questions about gender preferences and fairness
- Limited embryo options: You can only choose from the embryos available, if none match your preferred sex, you cannot “create” one
- Cultural and societal pressures: May unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes or biases
So while sex selection is one small area where IVF gives you limited control, it’s not equivalent to choosing or changing your baby’s genes. It fits within the broader context of informed embryo selection, not genetic engineering.
Should I Pursue Genetic Screening With IVF for Surrogacy?
Deciding whether to pursue PGT-A or PGT-M involves weighing several factors.
Factors to Consider
Cost is a major consideration. These tests are often paid out-of-pocket:
- PGT-A: ~$2,000 to $5,000 per IVF cycle
- PGT-M: ~$7,000 to $12,000+ per condition
Insurance coverage varies significantly, and many intended parents must plan for these expenses independently.
However, the potential to avoid a failed transfer or a genetic condition may outweigh the cost, depending on your personal circumstances.
When Genetic Screening May Be Recommended
Your fertility specialist may recommend PGT if any of the following apply:
- Maternal age of 35 or older
- History of recurrent pregnancy loss
- Known genetic conditions in your family
- A previous child with chromosomal abnormalities
- Male factor infertility tied to chromosomal issues
For those using donor gametes or gestational surrogates, screening may help ensure that only viable, genetically healthy embryos are transferred, an important step in maximizing success and minimizing risk.
The Role of Genetic Counselors
One of the best resources available during this decision-making process is a genetic counselor. These professionals can:
- Review your medical and family history
- Explain the scope and limitations of testing
- Clarify what conditions PGT may detect in your case
- Help you weigh the cost vs. benefit of testing
You might ask your genetic counselor:
- What specific conditions would testing identify in our case?
- How could the results influence our embryo transfer decisions?
- What’s the accuracy of PGT for our situation?
What Genetic Screening Means for Surrogacy
In the context of surrogacy, genetic screening is not just a medical tool, it’s a key part of the planning process. For intended parents wondering can you choose genes with IVF, the real power lies in understanding genetic information before embryo transfer, especially when a gestational carrier is involved.
Why Timing Matters
Most intended parents complete embryo creation and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before matching with a surrogate. This timing is important for several reasons:
- Informed embryo selection: You’ll know which embryos are genetically viable
- More predictable outcomes: You reduce the risk of failed transfers or medical complications
- Clearer communication: Everyone, including the surrogate, understands what to expect
This upfront clarity allows for smoother planning and can ease the emotional toll of later-stage complications or surprises.
Emotional Support During a Complex Process
At American Surrogacy, we understand that genetic testing can reveal difficult realities such as fewer viable embryos than anticipated or the presence of inherited conditions. These moments can be emotionally intense and may affect your decisions about how to move forward.
That’s why our team is committed to walking with you through every step, offering both practical guidance and empathetic support.
Whether you’re interpreting test results, making decisions about embryo transfer, or just looking for reassurance, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and informed.
Genetic Screening Helps You Prepare — Not Control
Ultimately, while you cannot choose or change your baby’s genes with IVF, you can choose how much information you want before proceeding with a transfer. That information helps shape your surrogacy journey with intention and peace of mind.
Ready to Learn More About IVF and Surrogacy?
Building a family through IVF and surrogacy is about love and intention. You deserve clarity and support as you navigate the possibilities of genetic testing.
We’re here to help you build your family in an informed, ethical way. Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or ready to move forward, having the right support makes all the difference.
Fill out our form to get free information and connect with a surrogacy specialist today.