Abstract
Purpose:The present study evaluated the proportions of X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm within the semen of donors who were the declared fathers of three or more sons or daughters.
Methods:The proportions of sperm were determined using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify the X and Y chromosomes.
Results:The only difference observed was in semen volume. There was no increase in the proportion of Y-bearing sperm for men with only sons (49.7 ± 1.3%) or of X-bearing sperm for men with only daughters (44.8 ± 2.6%).
Conclusions:A preponderance of either sons or daughters in a family cannot be explained simply by an altered ratio of X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm in the father's semen.
Keywords: fluorescence in situ hybridization, sperm, X chromosome, Y chromosome
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