The Shettles Method Explained: Does It Really Work?

If you're researching natural gender selection methods, you've probably come across the Shettles Method. Developed by Dr. Landrum B. Shettles in the 1960s, this timing-based approach claims a 75-80% success rate for couples trying to conceive a boy. But does it really work? Let's dive deep into the science, the controversy, and exactly how to implement this method.

What Is the Shettles Method?

The Shettles Method is a natural gender selection technique based on the biological differences between male-producing sperm (Y-sperm) and female-producing sperm (X-sperm). Dr. Landrum Shettles, a pioneering fertility specialist, observed that these two types of sperm behave differently under various conditions.

The core principle is simple: timing intercourse based on when you ovulate can influence whether you conceive a boy or a girl.

The History: Who Was Dr. Shettles?

Dr. Landrum B. Shettles (1909-2003) was a groundbreaking reproductive biologist and pioneer in fertility medicine. He co-authored the book "How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby" in 1970, which became a bestseller and introduced millions of couples to his gender selection method.

Dr. Shettles made several important contributions to reproductive science:

• First to identify human fertilization under a microscope (1944)
• Pioneer in in-vitro fertilization research
• Developer of the timing-based gender selection method that bears his name
• Author of multiple books on fertility and conception

How Does the Shettles Method Work?

The Shettles Method is based on observable differences between Y-sperm (male) and X-sperm (female):

Y-Sperm (Male) Characteristics:

• Speed: Faster swimmers, can reach the egg more quickly
• Lifespan: Shorter lifespan (24-48 hours in ideal conditions)
• Fragility: More vulnerable to acidic environments
• Head shape: Smaller, rounder heads (observed under microscope)

X-Sperm (Female) Characteristics:

• Speed: Slower swimmers, take longer to reach the egg
• Lifespan: Longer lifespan (3-5 days in ideal conditions)
• Resilience: More resistant to acidic environments
• Head shape: Larger, oval-shaped heads

The Science: What Research Says

The Shettles Method has been both celebrated and criticized in the scientific community. Here's what research tells us:

Supporting Evidence:

• Dr. Shettles' own data: Claimed 75-80% success rate for couples following his method precisely
• Sperm differences are real: Studies confirm that Y-sperm and X-sperm do have different characteristics under laboratory conditions
• Timing matters: Research shows that the day of intercourse relative to ovulation can influence gender ratios in some studies
• Anecdotal success: Thousands of couples report success using this method (including myself!)

Criticisms and Limitations:

• Limited large-scale studies: Few randomized controlled trials have been conducted
• Conflicting research: Some studies found no significant correlation between timing and gender
• Natural variation: The natural boy-to-girl ratio is approximately 51:49, so some "successes" could be chance
• Ovulation detection challenges: Pinpointing exact ovulation time can be difficult

A 1995 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Wilcox et al. found no significant relationship between timing of intercourse and baby's sex. However, other researchers have noted methodological limitations in this study, including small sample size and timing estimation methods.

The bottom line: While not universally accepted in the medical community, many couples (including myself) have found success with the Shettles Method. It's a low-cost, natural approach with no harmful side effects, making it worth trying for couples who desire a specific gender.

Success Rates: What to Expect

Dr. Shettles claimed the following success rates for couples who followed his method precisely:

• For conceiving a boy: 75-80% success rate
• For conceiving a girl: 75-80% success rate

However, it's important to understand what these numbers mean:

My personal experience: I used the Shettles Method for both of my sons, and it worked both times. Did I get lucky? Maybe. But I also followed the method precisely, used ovulation predictor kits, and combined it with other strategies (supplements, positions, alkaline environment). Read my complete story here.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Shettles Method for a Boy

Ready to try the Shettles Method? Here's your complete step-by-step guide for conceiving a boy:

Step 1: Track Your Ovulation Accurately

The entire method depends on knowing exactly when you ovulate. You need to use multiple methods to pinpoint ovulation:

Step 2: Time Intercourse Precisely

According to the Shettles Method, for conceiving a boy:

Step 3: Use Recommended Positions

The Shettles Method recommends deep penetration positions to give Y-sperm a head start:

• Rear entry (doggy style): Allows for deepest penetration
• Standing positions: Gravity can help sperm travel
• Woman on top (with deep penetration): Allows control of depth

Why deep penetration matters: The vagina near the cervix is less acidic than the vaginal entrance. By depositing sperm closer to the cervix, Y-sperm have a shorter distance to travel through acidic conditions, improving their survival rate.

Step 4: Enhance Conditions for Y-Sperm

Dr. Shettles also recommended creating optimal conditions for Y-sperm:

• Female orgasm before or during male orgasm: Orgasm creates uterine contractions that help transport sperm, and releases alkaline fluids that favor Y-sperm survival
• Alkaline environment: Some couples use baking soda douches (1 tablespoon per quart of water) 15 minutes before intercourse, though this is controversial and should be discussed with your doctor
• Higher arousal: More arousal typically means more alkaline cervical mucus production

Step 5: Support Male Fertility

For the Shettles Method to work, you need healthy, abundant sperm. Support sperm health with:

• Supplements: Zinc, Vitamin C, CoQ10, and L-carnitine support sperm production and motility
• Avoid heat: No hot tubs, saunas, or tight underwear that raise testicular temperature
• Healthy lifestyle: Exercise regularly, maintain healthy weight, reduce stress, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
• Abstain strategically: 2-5 days before ovulation to build up sperm count, but not longer (sperm quality decreases after 5 days of abstinence)

→ Read our complete guide to male fertility supplements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many couples try the Shettles Method but make critical errors that reduce their success rate. Avoid these mistakes:

1. Inaccurate Ovulation Detection

The problem: Relying on calendar method alone or using only one tracking method.

The solution: Use multiple tracking methods (OPK + BBT + cervical mucus) to pinpoint ovulation accurately. Invest in quality ovulation predictor kits and track for at least 2-3 cycles to learn your patterns.

2. Timing Too Early

The problem: Having intercourse 2-3 days before ovulation to "make sure we don't miss it."

The solution: For the Shettles Method to work for a boy, you MUST time intercourse close to ovulation. Too early, and long-living X-sperm will be waiting for the egg. Be patient and precise.

3. Not Abstaining Before Ovulation

The problem: Having intercourse frequently throughout the cycle.

The solution: Abstain from intercourse for 2-5 days before your expected ovulation. This builds sperm count (needed for conception) and prevents X-sperm from being present too early.

4. Giving Up Too Soon

The problem: Trying for just one cycle and declaring the method "doesn't work."

The solution: Even perfectly fertile couples have only a 20-30% chance of conceiving in any given cycle. It may take 3-6 cycles to conceive, even when doing everything right. Be patient and consistent.

5. Ignoring Male Fertility

The problem: Focusing only on timing while neglecting sperm health.

The solution: The Shettles Method requires healthy, motile sperm to work. Support male fertility with supplements, healthy lifestyle, and avoiding factors that harm sperm.

6. Not Following the Method Precisely

The problem: "We mostly followed it, but..."

The solution: The Shettles Method is based on precise timing and optimal conditions. Following it "sort of" won't significantly improve your odds. Commit fully for best results.

Combining the Shettles Method with Other Approaches

Many couples (including myself) combine the Shettles Method with other natural gender selection strategies to maximize their chances:

Diet and pH Balance

The theory is that an alkaline body pH favors Y-sperm (boys), while acidic pH favors X-sperm (girls). Some couples follow a high-potassium, high-sodium diet before conception to create a more alkaline environment.

→ Read our complete guide to diet for conceiving a boy

Male Fertility Supplements

Supporting sperm health with targeted supplements can improve both conception chances and (theoretically) influence gender ratios. Key supplements include zinc, vitamin C, selenium, and CoQ10.

→ Read our guide to the best supplements for male fertility

Chinese Gender Calendar

This ancient prediction method uses the mother's lunar age and conception month to predict gender. While not scientifically proven, some couples like to check if it aligns with their Shettles Method timing.

→ Learn about the Chinese Gender Calendar

Alternatives to the Shettles Method

If the Shettles Method doesn't appeal to you, or if you want to explore other options, consider these alternatives:

1. MicroSort (Sperm Sorting)

MicroSort is a laboratory technique that separates X-sperm from Y-sperm before artificial insemination or IVF. Success rates are approximately 70-75% for boys. However, it's expensive (several thousand dollars) and not available in all countries.

2. PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)

PGD involves IVF, testing embryos for gender, and transferring only the desired gender. Success rate is nearly 100%, but it's very expensive ($15,000-25,000+) and raises ethical concerns. It's also illegal for non-medical gender selection in many countries.

3. Whelan Method

An alternative timing method developed by Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. For boys, it recommends intercourse 4-6 days before ovulation (opposite of Shettles). Success rates are debated, and it contradicts Shettles' theory.

4. O+12 Method

A variation focusing on having intercourse exactly 12 hours after ovulation is detected. This is extremely precise and difficult to time correctly, making it less practical for most couples.

Is the Shettles Method Right for You?

The Shettles Method is best suited for couples who:

• ✅ Want a natural, non-invasive approach to gender selection
• ✅ Are willing to track ovulation carefully and precisely
• ✅ Can handle the uncertainty (20-25% chance of the opposite gender)
• ✅ Have time to try for multiple cycles if needed
• ✅ Will love and cherish their baby regardless of gender
• ✅ Don't have fertility issues that require medical intervention

The Shettles Method is NOT recommended if:

• ❌ You will be devastated if the baby is the "wrong" gender
• ❌ You have severe fertility issues requiring medical treatment
• ❌ You want a 100% guarantee (no natural method offers this)
• ❌ You're unwilling to track ovulation carefully

My Experience with the Shettles Method

I used the Shettles Method for both of my sons, and it worked both times. Here's what I did:

• Tracked ovulation meticulously using Clearblue Advanced Digital OPK and basal body temperature for 3 months before trying to conceive, so I knew my patterns
• Timed intercourse precisely - within 12 hours of my LH surge detection
• Abstained for 3-4 days before expected ovulation
• Used deep penetration positions and focused on female orgasm
• Took male fertility supplements (zinc, vitamin C, CoQ10) for 3 months before trying
• Combined with diet changes - higher potassium and sodium intake

Did the Shettles Method work for me, or was I just lucky twice in a row? I'll never know for certain. But I believe the combination of precise timing, optimal conditions, and sperm health support gave us the best possible odds.

→ Read my complete story: How I Conceived Two Boys Naturally

Final Thoughts: Should You Try the Shettles Method?

The Shettles Method is one of the most well-known and widely used natural gender selection techniques. While it's not backed by unanimous scientific consensus, it's based on real biological differences between male and female sperm, and countless couples report success.

The advantages:

• Natural, non-invasive, and free (except for ovulation tracking tools)
• No medical risks or side effects
• Can be combined with other natural methods
• Teaches you valuable knowledge about your fertility and cycle
• May improve your overall conception chances by identifying your most fertile time

The disadvantages:

• Requires precise ovulation tracking and timing
• No guarantee - still 20-25% chance of conceiving the opposite gender
• May take several cycles to conceive
• Can create emotional stress if you're too invested in a specific outcome

If you're interested in trying for a specific gender but want a natural, low-cost approach, the Shettles Method is worth trying. Just remember to:

1. Track ovulation accurately using multiple methods
2. Time intercourse precisely according to the guidelines
3. Support male fertility with healthy lifestyle and supplements
4. Be patient and consistent across multiple cycles
5. Prepare emotionally to love your baby regardless of gender

At the end of the day, the most important goal is a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy, regardless of whether you have a boy or a girl. Gender selection should enhance your family planning journey, not become an obsession that prevents you from experiencing the joy of parenthood.

Good luck on your conception journey! 💙