Sticky spermatozoa could hold fertility key
Researchers from the University of Leeds think that sticky spermatozoa could hold the key to greater success for couples undergoing IVF treatment.
The largest clinical trial to date aimed at testing this idea is being launched October 28th, the first day of National Infertility Awareness Week.
The £1.3m trial, funded by the National Institute for Health Research Efficiency and Mechanism Evaluation (NIHR EME) Programme, will be piloting a new IVF method that relies on picking only mature and fertile spermatozoa that stick to a specially coated plate for injection into the egg.
The coating is made of hyaluronan, a naturally-occurring substance that is frequently used in clinical treatments as a lubricant, for example, in joints including the knee, and by the cosmetics industry as a component in rejuvenating products, such as skin creams. Dr David Miller, of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds, is leading the trial. He said: "It is fascinating that a substance with such strong lubricating properties should be sticky for some, but not all, sperm.
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We think that this paradoxical property is what gives only mature and healthy sperm with little or no DNA damage the ability to latch on to the coat that surrounds the egg.
" On average, three out of four IVF treatment cycles for couples currently end in failure. The trial will test this new selection method in the assisted conception clinic by comparing it with existing methods of spermatozoa selection. Experts at the University of Leeds alongside colleagues from research laboratories at Sheffield University, Birmingham University and Queen's University in Belfast will also be investigating whether this new selection method based on sperm stickiness works by minimising the risk of injecting a sperm carrying damaged DNA into the egg.
The aim is to recruit 3,700 couples across up to fourteen assisted conception units in the United Kingdom, including Seacroft Hospital, Leeds; Sheffield Women's Hospital; Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London; St Bartholomew's Hospital, London; St Mary's Hospital, Manchester; Birmingham Women's Hospital, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton; Ninewells Hospital, Dundee and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. More centres will be coming on board in the new year. Clare Lewis-Jones, chief executive of Infertility Network UK, the patient charity which is behind the UK's first National Infertility Awareness Week, said:
"We are always pleased to hear about any new research which might help patients who are struggling to conceive and we look forward to hearing more about the progress of the trial. It's not always easy to have a baby and we welcome new advances which may increase success rates of fertility treatment."
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Shop Now →What is hyaluronan and is it safe to use in IVF procedures?
Hyaluronan is a naturally occurring substance already widely used in medical treatments and cosmetic products for its lubricating properties. In this IVF application, it's used as a coating on a specially designed plate to select high-quality sperm, making it a safe, biocompatible choice that has been proven effective in clinical settings for decades.
How does the sperm stickiness selection method improve IVF success rates?
The hyaluronan-coated plate selectively attracts only mature, healthy sperm with minimal DNA damage, while allowing immature or damaged sperm to pass through. By injecting only the highest-quality sperm into the egg, this method may increase fertilization and implantation success rates compared to traditional selection methods.
What is the current IVF success rate in the United States?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), IVF success rates vary significantly based on age and other factors, but approximately 40-50% of IVF cycles result in a pregnancy. Success rates decline with maternal age, with women under 35 experiencing higher success rates than older women.
Will this new IVF sperm selection method be available at fertility clinics near me?
While this method is currently in clinical trial phases internationally, it may eventually become available at major fertility centers in the United States pending FDA review and approval. Contact your local fertility clinic or ASRM-member facility to ask about their participation in new treatment protocols or when this technology might become available.
Does health insurance cover experimental IVF procedures like this sperm selection method?
Most insurance plans do not cover experimental IVF procedures that are still in clinical trial stages, though coverage varies significantly by plan and state. If you're interested in participating in a clinical trial for this technology, the procedure is typically covered by the research grant, so ask your fertility clinic about trial enrollment opportunities.
Can sperm DNA damage be detected before IVF treatment?
Yes, specialized tests like sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing can identify DNA damage in sperm samples before treatment. If high DNA fragmentation is detected, your fertility specialist may recommend lifestyle modifications, additional testing, or alternative treatment approaches before proceeding with IVF.
How long does it typically take for new fertility treatments to become widely available in the US?
New fertility treatments typically undergo clinical trials (1-3+ years), FDA review, and peer-reviewed publication before becoming available at fertility clinics nationwide. The timeline varies depending on trial results, regulatory approval, and adoption by fertility centers, which can take several additional years after initial approval.
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