Skip to main content

Does the Shettles method of conception work? Here’s what science has to say

Not everyone cares about gender. Plus, these days, we’ve become more aware of the fact that a baby’s sex at birth may not be his or her gender identity. Still, gender disappointment is common. In fact, experts say up to 1 in 5 women admit they were sad when they found out their baby’s biological sex.

Is there a way to time conception to determine a baby’s gender? It’s a valid question. After all, there are plenty of ways to determine the best time to conceive. You can download apps, invest in ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), or use natural clues to predict your fertile window. Is there a way to do the same for gender?

Some people swear by the Shettles method. What is the Shettles method? In short, it’s a strategy couples may use before and during intercourse to up their odds of conceiving a boy or girl.

Does the Shettles method work? Science provides some clues. Here’s what you need to know.

a couple on a beach celebrating gender reveal of a girl
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is the Shettles method?

Landrum Brewer Shettles, a physician, developed the Shettles method in the 1960s based on his studies of sperm, which determines a baby’s sex. He believed that couples could choose the sex of their future child by:

  • Timing of intercourse
  • Sexual position
  • The pH of body fluids

The Shettles method gained notoriety in the 1970s when he published his book, Your Baby’s Sex: How You Can Choose. It sounds interesting, fun, and even desirable for couples with their hearts set on a specific gender.

How to have a boy, according to the Shettles method

Shettles believed that sperm containing the Y chromosomes needed to conceive a boy are faster but more fragile. In other words, male-producing sperm will get to the egg quicker. However, if there’s no egg ready (because the person producing the eggs hasn’t ovulated), the sperm will die out before fertilizing it. Based on the Shettles method, couples trying for a boy should avoid having sex until ovulation day and for 1 to 3 days after.

Shettles also found that male sperm do best in a more alkaline environment. Douching with a mix of baking soda and water may help create that environment. However, the ACOG does not recommend douching.

Finally, Shettles believed that male-producing sperm thrive when deposited close to the cervix, so sex positions, like doggy style, that allow for deep penetration are considered optimal.

How to have a girl, according to the Shettles method

To have a girl, Shettles advised couples to essentially do the reverse of what they’d do if they wanted a boy. X chromosomes are thought to be more durable but slower. According to Shettles, having sex at the beginning of your fertile window, up to three days before ovulation, increases the likelihood that a couple will conceive a girl. The sperm will be around to fertilize the egg but won’t have to compete with the faster, male-producing ones.

Since female sperm do best in acidic conditions, he recommended douching with water and white vinegar. (Your doctor can provide guidance on whether this idea is a good one.)

In his view, shallow penetration, like that achieved in missionary position, is optimal for conceiving a girl.

a couple cutting into a cake during a gender reveal party
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Does the Shettles method work?

While the Shettles method sounds genius in theory, subsequent studies have generally disproved it. In 1991, researchers concluded timing sex around ovulation did not affect sex. Another study from 1995 said that having sex a couple of days after ovulation, as Shettles suggests doing if couples want a boy baby, may not even result in pregnancy. More recently, in 2016, researchers threw doubt on the idea that sex positions can determine the sex of a baby.

It’s normal to have dreams of having a baby of a particular gender. The Shettles method, which promises that having sex in certain positions and at certain times can, at the very least, increase your chances of having either a boy or girl, is popular in some circles. Even years after this method gained popularity in the 1960s, people still ask, “Does the Shettles Method work?” Though people on Internet forums and in Facebook groups may swear by it, the data doesn’t appear to support it. It’s likely not possible to choose the sex of your baby. However, you will love that bundle of joy no matter what. If you’re having issues with gender disappointment, confiding in your partner, trusted friends, or a therapist can help you work through your feelings.

Editors' Recommendations

BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
These cute nicknames for your unborn baby will help you bond during pregnancy
Should you pick a nickname for your growing baby bump?
Man listening for baby.

You'll probably want to talk to your unborn baby at some point during your pregnancy, but you may wonder how to best address them since you may not have chosen a name yet. Maybe you don't even know the sex yet. A nickname for your unborn child can be an endearing way to talk to and about your baby during your pregnancy.

In addition to helping you and your partner have conversations about your little one, a nickname is much sweeter than referring to the child as "it" or the generic "the baby." You might even wind up using this nickname for a while after the birth if you still need a little time to finalize your name decision.

Read more
How do you determine fetal weight? Use an estimated fetal weight calculator
Here's why estimated fetal weight is important
A pregnant woman holding a laptop in her lap while holding her belly.

Knowing how much your baby weighs while in the womb isn't just a good way to help mentally prepare for childbirth, but it's also an important marker for fetal development that can impact wellness outcomes during childhood and adolescence.

Low birth weight can affect brain development in infancy and childhood, as studies have shown that it has an impact on cerebral cortex development well into adolescence. The cerebral cortex is the area of the brain that is responsible for functions such as consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory. It's a pretty big deal.

Read more
Can you get your nails done while pregnant? These are the factors to consider
Do you have to give up manicures during pregnancy?
Getting a manicure

From the moment you find out you're pregnant, you're constantly questioning whether it's safe to do the things you did before you were pregnant. Some things, like not drinking alcohol and smoking, are common knowledge, but many don't know that pregnant women are warned against other things like eating sushi, scooping the litter box, and soaking in a hot tub. The list of things pregnant women can't do is seemingly endless, therefore it makes sense to wonder if you can get your nails done while pregnant.

Thankfully, you really shouldn't have to give up your regular mani and pedi appointment, because getting your nails done is mostly safe during pregnancy, although there are still some safety factors and precautions to keep in mind. Just because this is another area that requires a little research doesn't mean you can't enjoy it, so read up and then get that mani you've been craving.

Read more