A Review on Foetal Sex Determination: An Ayurvedic Perspective in the Light of Modern Understanding

Abstract

Foetal sex determination has fascinated humanity for centuries. Ayurveda, as one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, discusses theories around the factors influencing the sex of the child. It provides simple methods to ensure the birth of a healthy child, beginning with partner selection and addressing factors related to fetal development, including fertilization and sex determination. However, these classical concepts are philosophical and symbolic, and must be interpreted carefully in today’s ethical, scientific, and legal context. This article explores the Ayurvedic view on sex determination, referencing classical texts, comparing them with modern embryology, and aligning with modern ethical practices.

Introduction

The text explores foetal sex determination from Ayurvedic, historical, and modern scientific perspectives.

In modern science, sex is determined at fertilization by chromosomes: females have XX and males have XY. The ovum always carries an X chromosome, while sperm carries either X or Y, making the male gamete responsible for determining the sex of the child.

In Ayurveda, conception depends on four essential factors known as Garbha Sambhava Samagri:

• Ritu (timing/ovulation)

• Kshetra (uterine health)

• Ambu (nutrition)

• Beeja (quality of sperm and ovum)

Classical Ayurvedic texts state that dominance of Shukra (sperm) results in a male child, while dominance of Shonita/Artava (ovum) results in a female child. Texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Bhela Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita describe additional factors influencing sex determination, including timing of intercourse (even vs. odd days), strength of partners, direction of semen discharge, lunar influence, and diet. Physical signs in pregnancy were also traditionally believed to indicate the sex of the fetus. However, these ideas are symbolic and not scientifically validated.

The discussion also notes that similar theories existed in ancient Greek and Chinese medicine, reflecting global historical curiosity about predicting a child’s sex.

The modern review explains chromosomal sex determination (XX for female, XY for male) and describes males as heterogametic (producing X- and Y-bearing sperm) and females as homogametic (producing only X-bearing ova). The text correlates Ayurvedic ideas with modern theories such as:

• Shettles’ theory, suggesting Y-bearing sperm are faster but less durable than X-bearing sperm.

• The hypothesis that ovulation from the right or left ovary may influence sex.

• The influence of vaginal pH and timing of intercourse relative to ovulation.

• The theory that intercourse on even or odd days affects chromosomal predominance.

Overall, the text presents traditional Ayurvedic and cross-cultural beliefs alongside modern biological understanding, while acknowledging that many classical theories lack scientific validation and should not be interpreted literally today.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic classics provide insights into reproductive health with symbolic references to sex determination of the foetus. This demonstrates the depth of embryological knowledge possessed by our ancient scholars. While modern medical technologies offer more detailed descriptions, we can infer that our Acharyas must have conducted extensive research to establish these concepts. However, these must not be used in a way that might violate modern legal and ethical standards. Emphasis must shift towards the ethical prenatal care, foetal health, and mental-spiritual development (Garbha Sanskar). The similarity between the two approaches indicates that our ancestors had a solid grasp of sex determination. In Ayurveda, Shukra is considered as sperm with a Y chromosome, while Shonita is implied to have an X chromosome. This understanding extends to the concepts of X chromosomes in eggs as well.

References

[1] Charaka Samhita, Sharir Sthana - 2, Chapter 3, Chaukhamba Bharti Publication, Varanasi. [2] Charaka Samhita, Sharir Sthana - 2, Chapter 3, Chaukhamba Bharti Publication, Varanasi. [3] Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta, Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shashtri, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan reprint edition, 2008, pg no 26. [4] Ashtanga Hridaya of Acharya Vagbhat, 8th edition, commentary of Arundatta, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 1998. [5] Bhela Samhita, Sharir Sthana, Chapter 2. [6] Harita Samhita, Chapter 3 and Kashyapa Samhita, Khila Sthana. [7] Rorwik, David Michael and Landrum, B. Shettles, How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby, New York City Dodd : Mead and Company, 1970. (Accessed March 27, 2018).

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Manvi Bansal, Karan Sharma, Dr. Sonia Meend. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.