Method and kit for use in conceiving a child of a desired gender

A method and a kit are provided for use in conceiving a child of a desired gender. The kit contains all information, instructions, and apparatus that is necessary for predicting ovulation time and for determining time periods which define that time during which intercourse results in an improved probability of conceiving a child of the desired gender. The kit also contains information regarding the effects of the sperm placement location and timing of orgasm on gender selection. The kit includes information and instructions relating to practicing the method. A mucus chart is provided for monitoring the state of mucus of the woman attempting to conceive a child. Tissues are also part of the kit and are used in obtaining samples of the mucus. The kit further includes temperature sensors and a temperature chart for keeping track of the basal body temperature of the woman. These temperature-related products assist the user in confirming the prediction of ovulation. For ease of access and selection, the kit products are contained in individual packets of various sizes. Each of the packets is preferably housed in a convenient and desirably shaped container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a method and a kit for use in attempting 
to conceive a child and particularly to a method and kit for use in 
predicting a period of time during which intercourse is likely to result 
in conception of a child of a desired gender. 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
It is known that the live birth male sex ratio, while differing among 
cultures, in the United States is about 53 percent (i.e. 53 percent male, 
47 percent female). In many instances, a couple may prefer to conceive a 
child of one or the other gender. Often this preference is for traditional 
or personal reasons. Further, a couple with children of one sex may wish 
to experience parenting of both sexes. Also, a number of genetic disorders 
or diseases are known to be sex-linked (e.g. hemophilia) and couples who 
have this genetic disposition may desire to conceive a child of the gender 
opposite the sex-linked gender to avoid or reduce the likelihood of the 
disorder or disease. 
Theories and methods associated with altering the probability of conception 
of a child of a selected gender have been discussed. In Hazel Phillips, 
Girl or Boy Your Chance To Choose (Thorson's Publishers, Ltd., Great 
Britain), the effects of intercourse timing and position are noted in 
attempting to conceive a child of a selected gender. In Mercedes Arzu 
Wilson, Love and Fertility, Family Of The Americas Foundation, Inc. 
(1986), although a method of achieving pregnancy using the mucus method is 
noted, there is no discussion concerning child gender selection. 
A chemical-related test for use in child gender selection has been 
developed and involves the separation of sperm. The desired, separated 
sperm are then artificially inseminated for the purpose of attempting to 
conceive a child of a selected gender. This technique is accomplished in a 
hospital or laboratory-like environment. It also requires highly skilled 
personnel and is relatively expensive. 
Because of the relative complexity and expense of this prior art technique, 
it would be advantageous to provide a method that could be employed in 
privacy at home without the need for highly technical skills and 
equipment, and which does not include numerous and complicated steps. In 
that regard, it would be desirable to incorporate in a single package or 
kit all the information and materials that would be needed in the home in 
attempting to conceive a child of a selected gender. Although information 
for use in practicing the mucus method and/or temperature method of 
ovulation prediction is available, no single source or package of 
information and apparatus has been devised for use in attempting to 
conceive a child of a selected gender, preferably, in the privacy of one's 
home. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the foregoing objectives, the present invention provides 
in a single package or source all of the information and apparatus to be 
used in connection with attempting to conceive a child of a chosen gender. 
The method includes providing a single kit having a number of related 
products for use in implementing the method steps. The products include 
instructional literature explaining the method and apparatus for 
predicting ovulation, timing of intercourse, and other aspects of gender 
selection. The apparatus for predicting the ovulation body function 
includes apparatus directed to the mucus method of ovulation prediction. 
Such apparatus includes mucus charts for monitoring the state of the mucus 
of a woman and any changing pattern thereof, as well as tissues for 
collecting mucus. The charting also provides recordkeeping of sexual 
activity. In addition, apparatus for the basal temperature method of 
ovulation prediction is provided. This apparatus is intended to be used to 
confirm the results of the ovulation prediction obtained using the mucus 
method steps. Such apparatus includes temperature charts for monitoring 
body temperature of the woman attempting to conceive a child and devices 
for sensing temperature prior to normal physical activity occurring. The 
method further includes using the mucus method and apparatus to predict 
ovulation, while using the basal body temperature method and apparatus to 
verify the accuracy of such prediction. More particularly, the mucus 
ovulation prediction method involves obtaining mucus of the woman using 
the tissues and monitoring the state of mucus using the mucus chart. The 
basal temperature of the woman is obtained using the temperature sensing 
devices and such temperatures are recorded using the temperature charts. 
The method further involves attempting to conceive a child by having 
intercourse within a predetermined period of time using information 
previously provided on the mucus chart and the temperature chart. 
The single kit preferably also includes a container for housing the kit 
products. The container is shaped to permit ready access by the user to 
the kit products. Also facilitating selection or access to the products is 
the individual packaging of the kit products. Specifically, the kit is 
provided with four individual packets, with each packet being of a 
different size to permit ready viewing of the separate packets so that the 
desired packet can be more easily selected from the container. 
In view of the foregoing summary, a number of important features of the 
present invention are immediately discerned. A child gender selection kit 
is provided for use in the privacy of one's home. The kit provides in a 
single package all of the information and materials that are necessary in 
practicing the method of the present invention. No complex techniques or 
specialized skill is required to utilize the kit products or practice the 
method. 
Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent 
from the following discussion, particularly when taken in conjunction with 
the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
The present invention relates to a method and a kit for use in attempting 
to conceive a child of a desired gender. The kit includes information, 
instructions and all materials necessary to achieve an improved 
probability of conceiving a child of the desired gender. 
As depicted in FIG. 1, the kit 10 comprises a box or package 12 housing an 
open-ended container or caddy 14 and four packets 16, 20, 22, 24. The 
packets 16-24 are formed of any convenient material, such as folded and 
pasted cardboard and are preferably of different sizes, e.g., the first 
packet 16 has a height less than that of the second packet 20 which has a 
height less than that of the third packet 22 which has a height less than 
that of the fourth packet 24. The box 12 can be in any convenient form 
such as folded and pasted cardboard and preferably contains indicia 26 
identifying the kit as pertinent to male child selection or female child 
selection. Although FIG. 1 depicts a kit for use in attempting to conceive 
a male child, the kit for use in attempting to conceive a female child is 
substantially identical except that the instructions contained therein are 
different, consistent with the differing methods for male and female child 
conception, as discussed below. 
The caddy 14 is preferably made of a cardboard material, or other kinds of 
sturdy material and is configured to hold the packets 16-24 in a position 
to permit viewing of the packet indicia 28-34 and to permit easy access to 
any one of the packets 16-24 as needed to practice the method, described 
below. As seen in FIG. 1, the indicia 28-34 identifies each of the packets 
16-24, respectively. By providing a caddy 14 which is separable from and 
removable from the box 12 the contents of the kit 10 can be contained in a 
single unit. As depicted, the caddy 14 is preferably formed with a top 
opening 35 which is inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. This 
configuration of the caddy 14 cooperates with the different heights of the 
packets 16-24 so that each packet is readily accessible and each of the 
indicia of the packets 28-34 is readily visible. 
As best seen in FIG. 2, the first packet 16 contains information and 
instructions in the form of printed material 36. The information and 
instructions 36 explain the contents of the kit 10, the use of each of the 
products contained in the kit 10 and the manner in which the method of the 
present invention is practiced in order to achieve improved probability of 
conceiving a child of a desired gender. Other informational materials are, 
preferably, included in the first packet 16 such as an introduction and 
letter from the manufacturer or distributor 38, a questionnaire and 
information on other aspects of the product such as an annuity program 40, 
which is useful in monitoring the degree of success of the method and kit. 
As best seen in FIG. 3, the second packet 20 contains a number of materials 
for use in connection with the mucus technique of ovulation prediction. An 
instruction book 42 provides information and instructions explaining the 
use of the other contents of the second packet 20 and explaining the 
method of using the woman's mucus to predict ovulation time. A number of 
sheets bearing gummed stickers 44, 46, 48 are also included. The first 
sheet 44 bears a number (e.g. 78) of stickers each having a photograph 
depicting mucus state. The second sheet 46 bears a number (e.g. 40) of red 
stickers 52, a number (e.g. 40) of yellow stickers 54 and a number (e.g. 
50) of plain brown stickers 56. The third sheet 48 bears a number (e.g. 
40) of plain brown stickers 58, a number (e.g. 20) of brown stickers 
bearing fertility indicia, such as a drawing of a child's face 60, a 
number (e.g. 40) of white stickers having fertility indicia 62, a number 
(e.g. 4) of white stickers having both fertility indicia and peak indicia 
(e.g. an upside-down "V") 64 and a number (e.g. 24) of yellow stickers 
bearing fertility indicia 66. Also included in the second packet 20 is a 
chart booklet 68 having a number (e.g. 3) of charts, each chart having a 
space for noting the date, top and bottom rows each having a number (e.g. 
35) of spaces, the bottom row spaces being of a size for entering mucus 
stickers and the top row spaces being of a size for entering other 
stickers. The chart also has, positioned next to the spaces for each day, 
day and night indicia (e.g. sun and moon symbols). Each of these 
chart-related materials is available from the Family of the America's 
Foundation, Inc. of Mandeville, La. 
As best seen in FIG. 4, the third packet 22 contains a number of tissues 
70. The tissues can be of any size convenient for mucus collection such as 
about 8 inches by about 41/2 inches, preferably folded in half. The 
tissues can be formed of any suitable soft material. The third packet 22 
is preferably formed with a window 72 in one face thereof through which 
the tissues 70 can be removed. 
As best seen in FIG. 5, the fourth packet 24 contains an instruction and 
chart booklet 74 and a number of sterile envelopes 76, each containing a 
number (e.g. 4) of thermometers 78. The instruction and chart booklet 74 
contains information and instructions explaining the use of the charts 82 
and thermometers 78 for keeping track of basal body temperature and for 
predicting ovulation. A sample chart 80 is included as an illustration of 
charting basal temperature. Each of the temperature charts 82, each being 
accompanied by a "recommendations" space 84, has a horizontal or X-axis 
corresponding to days, and containing spaces for noting the date, and has 
a vertical or Y-axis corresponding to temperatures, such as temperatures 
between 96.5.degree. and 99.5.degree. F., in increments of 0.1.degree. F. 
The envelopes 76 constitute sterile containers for the thermometers 78. By 
providing sterile containers, the thermometers 78 can be maintained in a 
sterile condition until they are needed. In this way, the thermometers 78 
can be used without rinsing or other unnecessary physical activity which 
might interfere with accurate measurement of basal temperature. The 
thermometers 78 are preferably single-use solid state thermometers. Such 
thermometers are available from Info-Chem, a subsidiary of PyMaH 
Corporation, and are identified by the trademarks Tempa-Dot Ready 
Strip.TM.. 
The method of attempting to conceive a child of a desired gender, and which 
involves the use of the kit will now be described. Referring to the steps 
illustrated in FIG. 6, after the gender desired for the child is selected 
86, the appropriate kit is obtained 88a,b. The caddy 14 containing the 
packets 16-24 is removed from the box 12 and conveniently located. The 
instructions contained in the kit 10 are read 90a,b. The mucus method and 
the temperature method associated with ovulation predication are used, as 
described below, preferably through two or more menstrual cycles to form a 
basis for predicting and verifying the time of the next ovulation. 
In accordance with the mucus method 92a,b-104a,b, the charts 68 and 
stickers 50-66 are used to monitor and record observations on the state of 
the mucus of the woman wishing to conceive a child. Preferably, instances 
of intercourse and whether intercourse occurs during the day or night are 
noted on the chart using the day and night indicia. Recording commences 
with the first day of menstruation. The date is entered into the chart on 
the spaces provided therefor. A red sticker 52 is placed on the top row of 
the chart during each day of menstruation 92a. Following menstruation, the 
woman checks each day for the presence of vaginal mucus 94a. If no mucus 
is present and ovulation has not yet occurred (as determined by the method 
described below) a brown sticker 56, 58 is placed on the top row of the 
chart 68 for the corresponding day 96a. If mucus is present, a tissue 70 
from the third packet 22 is used to collect the mucus 98a. Using the 
instructions 36, the appearance and consistency of the mucus is compared 
to that depicted in the photograph stickers 50 of the first sheet 44. A 
sticker 50 most closely resembling the mucus is detached from the sheet 44 
and placed in the corresponding space in the bottom row of the mucus chart 
68, 100a. Using the instructions 36, a determination is made whether the 
condition of the mucus indicates that ovulation has occurred. Ovulation is 
considered to have occurred when the mucus is mostly clear, elastic and 
fluid. A marker for placement on the top row of the chart 68 is selected 
to correspond to the mucus sticker 50 which has been placed on the bottom 
row of the chart, taking into consideration whether ovulation has occurred 
102a. If ovulation has not yet occurred, a white sticker bearing fertility 
indicia 62 is placed on the top row. On the day of ovulation, a peak 
indicia sticker 64 is placed on the top row. On days one through three 
after ovulation, a sticker bearing a fertility indicia is used. A yellow 
sticker bearing fertility indicia 66 is used on post-ovulation days when 
mucus is present. A brown sticker bearing fertility indicia 60 is used for 
post-ovulation days one through three when mucus is not present. On day 
four and subsequent days after ovulation, a yellow or brown sticker, 
without fertility indicia, is used. A yellow sticker 54 is used during 
days when mucus is present. A brown sticker 56, 58 is used during days 
when mucus is not present. A new chart 68 is started when menstruation 
begins. 
Information on the mucus chart, plotted over two more menstrual cycles, is 
used to predict the day of next ovulation 104a,b. The usual or average 
number of days between ovulations is determined using the dates entered in 
the mucus chart. That number of days is counted forward from the date of 
last ovulation to determine the predicted date of next ovulation. 
Simultaneously with using the mucus method to predict ovulation, the basal 
temperature method is also used to monitor ovulation and verify the 
prediction of the next ovulation date. That is, the temperature method for 
ovulation prediction is preferably used to verify or assure desired 
accuracy of the mucus technique for ovulation prediction. The temperature 
charts 82 are used to record basal body temperature on each day, using one 
chart for each cycle from the beginning of one menstrual period to the 
beginning of the next. The temperature is measured preferably immediately 
upon waking and preferably with a minimum of movement, before any 
substantial physical or mental activity occurs 106a. The measured 
temperature is recorded on the chart 82 for the corresponding day 108a. 
Using the instructions 36 and charts, the temperatures recorded are 
analyzed to determine on which day ovulation occurred 110a. Ovulation is 
indicated by a period in which basal temperature drops 1/2 to 1 full 
degree in one day followed by a sharp rise in temperature, usually about a 
full degree, 24 hours after the initial drop in temperature. Following 
this rise, the temperature will normally remain high until the next 
menstrual period. The time of ovulation is considered to be the 24 hours 
following the drop in temperature. The instructions 36 and temperature 
charts 82 are used to predict the day of the next ovulation 112a,b. Two or 
more temperature charts are used to determine the average or normal number 
of days between ovulations using the dates written on the charts. This 
number of days is counted forward from the last day of ovulation to 
determine a predicted next day of ovulation. In this manner, the day of 
ovulation predicted using the temperature method is used to confirm the 
prediction made using the mucus method 114a,b. 
The prediction of the next ovulation day and the instructions 34 are used 
to time intercourse with respect to the predicted day of ovulation 116a,b. 
When a male child is desired, intercourse is timed to occur on the day of 
ovulation, preferably within 12 hours after ovulation, with no intercourse 
on the days one through four prior to ovulation or days two or three after 
ovulation 116a. If conception is not achieved within a three to six month 
period, a physician should be consulted to determine if there are 
underlying fertility problems. 
When conception of a female child is desired, the prediction of the day of 
ovulation and the instructions 36 are used to time intercourse from the 
end of the menstrual period through the fourth day prior to ovulation, 
i.e., up to the third day before ovulation with no intercourse during the 
period from the third day prior to ovulation until after the fourth day 
after ovulation 116b. If, after two months of attempting to conceive a 
female child using this method of timing intercourse it is determined that 
pregnancy has not been achieved 118, the period for intercourse is 
extended by 1/2 day, i.e. intercourse is timed to occur in the period up 
to 21/2 days before ovulation, with no intercourse from day 21/2 before 
ovulation until day 4 after ovulation 120. If, after an additional two 
months on this second regime it is determined that pregnancy has not been 
achieved 122, the period for intercourse is extended another 1/2 day, i.e. 
intercourse is timed to occur during the period up to 2 days before 
ovulation, with no intercourse from day 2 before ovulation until after day 
4 after ovulation. If conception is not achieved within three to six 
months, a physician should be consulted to determine if there are 
underlying fertility problems. 
The method of timing of intercourse with respect to ovulation is preferably 
combined with other methods to further improve the probability of 
conceiving a child of the desired gender. When it is desired to conceive a 
male, the husband should avoid sexual relations and the release of any 
seminal fluid from day three prior to ovulation until the day of 
ovulation. Couples trying to conceive a female child should have frequent 
intercourse during that time period determined in accordance with the 
recommended timing of intercourse for conceiving a female child. 
When it is desired to conceive a male child, the man should enter the 
vagina from the rear and penetrate as deeply as possible during 
ejaculation. When it is desired to conceive a female child, the 
"missionary" position (woman lying on back, man on top) should be used and 
the man should practice shallow penetration at the time of ejaculation. 
When it is desired to conceive a male child, the man should time his orgasm 
to follow that of the woman. When it is desired to conceive a female 
child, the woman should refrain from orgasm. 
A number of advantages are obtained by using the disclosed kit and 
accompanying method. It has been observed that a child of the desired 
gender can be conceived using the present invention with a high degree of 
reliability (e.g. up to 85 percent reliability for conceiving a male 
child, up to 80 percent reliability for conceiving a female child). All 
information and apparatus needed for practicing this invention are 
provided in a single package or kit so that it is not necessary to go to a 
number of sources and purchase a variety of devices from different sources 
in order to practice this invention. The method for attempting to conceive 
a child of a desired gender is carried out in privacy. No complicated 
equipment or specialized skills is required. Not only does the kit and 
method include information and materials for use in predicting ovulation 
by the mucus method, the method also relies on a verification step 
relating to the monitoring of the basal body temperature of the woman. 
The invention does not relate to a contraceptive method or device and 
should not be relied upon for contraceptive aid. 
Although the present invention has been described with reference to a 
particular embodiment, it should be appreciated that modifications can be 
effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.