Evening Primrose oil (EPO) is often recommended for women who are trying to conceive a boy. The evening primrose is a flowering plant that grows mainly in the United States. It can also be found growing in Europe and other countries. The yellow flower blooms in the evening, hence the name.

Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 essential fatty acid. GLA is converted by the body into prostoglandin E1, which is a hormone-like substance that reduces inflammation. It also thins cervical mucus and helps the body produce more high-quality “egg-white” mucus. This mucus is more favorable to male sperm because it is easier for them to swim to the egg.

The oil is extracted from Evening Primrose seeds and put into capsules for easy consumption. Dosage for sex selection is usually 1500 to 3000mg per day. Most women suffer no side effects when they take the oil, but some experience mild stomach upset or a headache. However, reports show that it can cause uterine contractions or prevent implantation, so it is often recommended that it be taken only from menstruation through ovulation each cycle.

The effectiveness of evening primrose oil in gender selection has not been studied. Studies have shown that it helps with breast pain during the menstrual cycle, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis. However, there have not been any large, well-designed studies performed for any of these conditions. As with any supplement, you should make your doctor aware that you are using it so that medication interactions can be avoided.

There is no foolproof method to naturally conceiving a boy. However, these tips can show you how to increase the chances of conceiving a baby boy.

1. Attempting conception no more than 24 hours prior to or 12 hours after ovulation is believed to be the best time to conceive a boy. (Shettles Method)

2. Attempt conception 4 to 6 days prior to ovulation. (Whelan method)

3. Use the Chinese Birth Chart to determine what month you should try to conceive a baby boy. Remember to use your lunar month and the lunar month of conception.

4. Take Evening Primrose supplements to increase the quality of cervical mucus. This is thought to increase the chances that you will conceive a son.

5. Take Guaifenesin pills for several days prior to ovulation. This will thin cervical mucus and make it easier conceive a boy. The methods described above are based on some scientific reasoning.

The following are urban myths and folklore, but it would not hurt to try them.

6. The man should drink coffee prior to intercourse because it makes Y-sperm more active.

7. Try to conceive only on odd days of the month.

8. Eat a “male” diet consisting of red meat, salty foods and plenty of soft drinks. Consumption of beer or other alcoholic beverages is not recommended during the time you are trying to conceive a baby or during pregnancy.