How to Conceive a Boy or Girl: The Shettles Method

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 11 Nov 2013 - Updated: 30 Aug 2026
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This guide presents home-based techniques for couples interested in influencing their baby's gender during conception, with primary focus on the Shettles Method developed through reproductive research. The resource proves useful for family planning by explaining how sperm characteristics (X versus Y chromosomes), ovulation timing, vaginal pH levels, sexual positions, and other biological factors may affect conception outcomes. While acknowledging the lack of definitive scientific validation, the methods described are non-invasive, cost-free approaches that medical professionals consider reasonably safe to attempt. The guide also includes a Chinese lunar gender predictor calculator for those already pregnant. For individuals with disabilities or health conditions affecting fertility, understanding these natural conception variables provides accessible knowledge that complements medical consultations about family planning options.

At a Glance

• 1 - An alkaline environment favors boys, while a more acidic tract favors girls. This is because acidity tends to weaken the smaller Y sperm first.
• 2 - Y sperm carry the male chromosome and are smaller, weaker, and faster, while X sperm are larger, stronger, and slower. These traits form the basis of every Shettles timing and pH recommendation.
• 3 - Shettles suggests the man drink a cup of caffeinated coffee before sex when trying for a boy. He does not fully explain the mechanism, but believes it energizes the faster Y sperm.
• 4 - The guide also features a Chinese lunar gender predictor for couples who are already pregnant. This ancient chart estimates the baby's sex from the mother's Chinese lunar age and the lunar month of conception.

Topic Definition

Shettles Method

The Shettles Method is a natural family planning approach that aims to influence whether a couple conceives a boy or a girl by timing intercourse around ovulation and adjusting the conditions sperm encounter along the way. Developed by reproductive researcher Dr. Landrum Shettles, it rests on the idea that male producing Y sperm are smaller, faster, and shorter lived, while female producing X sperm are larger, sturdier, and more durable. Couples hoping for a boy are advised to have sex as close to ovulation as possible and to favor an alkaline, deeper environment, while those hoping for a girl are guided toward earlier timing, a more acidic setting, and shallower penetration. The techniques are inexpensive, non-invasive, and generally considered safe to try, though they remain scientifically unproven and are best viewed as one part of a broader conversation about conception rather than a guarantee.

Overview

Most high-tech methods of choosing your babies gender are very expensive and/or invasive, however, in this era of advanced technology, there are various home methods which we can use to determine our babies sex during conception.

What is the Best Way to Conceive a Female or Male Baby?

As a result of research and discussion with professors, I suggest The Shettles method (See below).

What is Ovulation and Conception?

Ovulation:

Ovulation is a process that takes place in the ovaries and is the process by which the ovaries release ova for fertilization. This usually takes place around day 14 of the menstrual cycle and is controlled by luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. An ovulated egg is viable within the system for roughly 2-3 days before it disintegrates. Conception is most likely to happen if sex is performed prior to ovulation, and timing plays a large role in successful conception.

Conception:

Biologically, conception is defined as the moment when a sperm cell from a male breaches the ovum, or egg, from a female.

Shettles Conception Method

Basically, men produce two types of sperms, the X (female) and Y (male). According to Dr. Shettles' studies the y-sperms are smaller, weaker, but faster than their siblings x-sperms, which are bigger, stronger, but slower.

Based on this fact, there are several things you can do to "favor" the conception of boys or girls:

(1) The most important aspect of all is timing of intercourse during the monthly cycle.

The closer to ovulation (Ovulation calculator) you have sex, the better the chances to have a boy, because the y-sperms are faster and tend to get to the egg first. If you have sex 3 days or more before ovulation, the better your chances to conceive a girl, because the weaker y-sperms tend to die sooner and the x-sperms will be available in greater quantity whenever the egg is released. On the other hand, having sex from 2 days before ovulation, through a few days after ovulation, is better for conceiving a boy. Around the 2-day point, 48 hours before ovulation, seems to be the 50/50 mark.

(2) The pH of the women's tract is also very important.

A more acidic environment favors girls, since it will kill the weaker y-sperms first, leaving a greater quantity of x-sperms available to fertilize the egg. On the other hand, a more alkaline environment favors boys.

Shettles recommends a douche of water and vinegar (acid) immediately before intercourse to favor a girl; a douche of water and baking soda (alkaline) will help for a boy. (Don't try this without reading Shettles! You have to dilute the douches properly, according to his formula, or they won't help and might hurt you.)

Note: Some women are naturally very acidic and have a hard time conceiving boys.

(3) Position of intercourse and depth of penetration are important, partly because of pH.

The closer to the entrance to the vagina, the more acidic the women's tract is. Also, deep penetration places the sperm closer to the egg, and gives those aggressive boy sperms a head start. So, a shallow penetration will favor girls - and deeper will favor boys. Shettles recommends the missionary-position for a girl, and rear-entry (doggy-style) for a boy.

(4) Women's orgasms can also be important.

It also has to do with pH. When a woman has an orgasm, the body releases a substance that makes the environment more alkaline, favoring boys. He recommends no orgasms when trying for girls!

(5) The sperm count is another factor.

Obviously, a low sperm count to begin with doesn't favor either sex. But a high sperm count favors boys. Shettles recommends three things:

• (a) When trying for a boy, don't have sex for 3- 4 days before you reach the target date a day or two before ovulation! For girls, have sex everyday from day = 1 or day = 5 ("cleaner"), and stop 3 days before ovulation.
• (b) Shettles recommends that for boys, the man wear loose underwear only, that is, men who usually wear briefs or other tight underwear should switch to boxers. The idea is the same as wearing boxers to increase overall fertility, the testicles need cooler temperatures for sperms to survive, and the Y-sperms, since they are weaker, will be helped more than the X-sperms by this method. However, Shettles does NOT recommend the opposite, that men wear briefs for a girl, this will just decrease overall fertility.
• (c) Also, for a girl, the man is supposed to take a hot bath immediately before intercourse. "Room temperature" is fine for a boy. The idea is the same as the briefs versus boxers, give the X-sperms an advantage.

(6) Finally, in trying for a boy

Shettles recommends a nice cup of caffeinated coffee for the man, right before sex - he isn't clear on how or why this works, but apparently it gives the Y-sperms a jolt!

Summary of the Conception Methods

• To Conceive a Baby Girl: Have sex 3 days or more before ovulation - Position of intercourse: Missionary - No women's orgasm - Related to sperm count, have sex everyday and stop 3 days before ovulation - Right before sex, the woman should bathe in a solution mixed by vinegar and water and the man should bathe in hot water to kill the Y sperm and favor X sperm.
• To Conceive a Baby Boy: Have sex close to ovulation (less than 2 days) - Position of intercourse: rear entry or Dog-style - Women's orgasm - Related to sperm count, when trying for a boy, don't have sex for 3- 4 days before you reach the target date (a day or two before ovulation) - Right before sex, the woman should bathe in a solution mixed by water and baking soda and the man should bathe in cool water to favor Y sperm.

Until now, there has not yet been any scientific proof and recognition of the most effective methods in determining baby's sex before conception. However, these SHETTLES methods seem to be the most reasonably accepted by medical professionals. And, most importantly, these methods do not cause any harm of waste of money, so why not give them a try?

Will I Have a Boy or Girl Baby?

A Chinese Baby Gender Predictor! Already pregnant and want to know if you're having a boy or a girl? An ancient chinese chart is "said" to predict your baby's sex based on your Chinese lunar age at the time you got pregnant and the Chinese lunar month in which you conceived...

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the Shettles Method for gender selection?

Success rates cited by supporters vary widely and no independent research has confirmed them, so the method should be treated as unproven. Many couples try it because it is safe and free rather than because results are guaranteed.

What is the most reliable way to actually choose a baby's sex?

The only method with high accuracy is preimplantation genetic testing performed during in vitro fertilization at a fertility clinic. It is costly and medically involved, unlike the natural home techniques described in this guide.

Can I track ovulation to use the Shettles timing rules?

Yes, you can estimate ovulation using calendar tracking, basal body temperature charts, cervical mucus changes, or over the counter ovulation predictor kits. Accurate timing is central to how the Shettles Method is meant to work.

Is douching with vinegar or baking soda safe?

Douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and may cause irritation or infection, so many doctors advise against it. Anyone considering it should speak with a healthcare provider first.

Does diet change the chances of having a boy or a girl?

Some theories suggest that mineral intake may shift the body's chemistry toward one outcome, but the evidence is weak and inconsistent. A balanced diet supports overall fertility regardless of any gender effect.

How long does it usually take to conceive using these methods?

Conception timing varies for every couple, and roughly most healthy couples conceive within a year of regular unprotected sex. Adding gender selection rules does not speed up or slow down that overall timeline.

Can the Shettles Method work for couples using fertility treatments?

Timing and pH strategies have little influence once treatments like intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization are involved. Couples in medical programs should follow their specialist's guidance rather than home techniques.

At what age should I talk to a doctor about conception difficulty?

Couples under 35 are generally advised to seek help after a year of trying, while those 35 and older should consult a doctor after six months. Early evaluation can identify treatable factors sooner.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The persistent popularity of gender selection methods like Shettles reveals something fundamental about human nature - our desire to understand and participate in life's most profound processes. While modern reproductive medicine has advanced considerably since Dr. Shettles first proposed his theories, couples worldwide continue seeking accessible, non-medical approaches to family planning. Whether these methods deliver results beyond chance remains scientifically unproven, yet their appeal endures precisely because they offer agency in an arena where control often feels elusive. What matters most isn't whether timing intercourse or adjusting pH levels statistically favors one outcome over another, but rather that couples feel informed and involved in their reproductive journey. As with many aspects of conception and pregnancy, hope and intention carry their own value, independent of empirical validation.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability, a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.