This trial aims to determine if sperm selection through microfluidic sperm sorting can improve embryo quality. The outcome to be measured is the proportion of high quality embryos on day 3. This trial is located in San Francisco (California), United States.
The details
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure whereby the sperm fertilizes the egg outside the body. Obtaining normal sperm is an important part of this process. Traditional methods involve centrifugation, a process in which spinning of the sperm allows isolation of motile sperm. However, this has been found to induce DNA damage. Microfluidic sperm sorting is a technique that isolates normal sperm with high DNA quality. It is suggested that this may lead to better embryo quality.
This study will examine the use of microfluidic sperm sorting during IVF. The main outcome to be measured is quality of the embryo at Day 3 following fertilization.
Who are they looking for?
This study is recruiting 62 couples planning in-vitro fertilization for unexplained infertility. They should have a history of poor embryo quality, (less than 40% high quality day 3 embryos in a previous IVF cycle).
Participants should not have severely reduced sperm motility and sperm count. The female partner should not have absent ovulation (release of egg). The female partner should be younger than 41 years old. An egg donor should not be used. There should not be a history of more than 1 previous IVF cycle cancellation due to poor response. There should not be use of any additional medication to improve embryo quality such as growth hormone and sildenafil (Viagra).
How will it work
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of 2 treatment groups. Participants in the first treatment group will receive microfluidic sperm sorting. Participants in the second treatment group will receive conventional sperm sorting by centrifugation. After sperm sorting, the sperm will be used to fertilize the egg. On day 3, the number of high quality embryos will be measured. 14 days after the embryo is transferred to the uterus, an ultrasound will be performed. This is done to see if there is pregnancy after the embryo transfer.
