Many couples would like to influence the gender of their next child and there is much to suggest that most prefer a "balanced" family-ie one which consists of both boys and girls. If you would like to know how to have a son, there are a number of simple tips you can embrace which are based on scientific facts.

The characteristics of male and female sperm are surprisingly different. Male sperm is much faster and smaller than its female counterpart. It is also relatively fragile and can be killed off by an acidic environment, surviving much better in an alkaline one.

Using the features of male sperm, what tips can help us learn how to have a son?

1. Have intercourse as near to ovulation as possible. Once the egg is about to be released or has just been released is the time you should aim for. When it is purely a simple "race" towards a waiting egg then the fast male sperm is likely to win. When other factors come into play, such as having to wait around in the fallopian tubes for the egg, the male sperm is more likely to perish

2. Encourage an alkaline environment by eating alkaline forming foods, such as lean red meats, sausages, bananas and apricots. Foods rich in sodium or potassium can be very helpful (although keep your intake of sodium within the recommended limits)

3. Have intercourse in positions which mean that sperm is deposited as close to the cervix as possible, giving it less distance to travel

4. Use a mild alkaline douche an hour or so before intercourse as this can support male sperm

If you would like to see tried-and-tested, all-encompassing methods which will help you to have a son, there is an excellent guide which is based on scientific rather than anecdotal principles. It includes all the information you need to successfully choose your baby's gender and has been proven to be 95% accurate.

To see this fully guaranteed, comprehensive risk-free method please visit Choose Baby's Gender . This method includes comprehensive tips to show you how to have a son.