Infertility affects about one in six people, and a new breakthrough combining mathematics with sperm research may offer hope to many couples. Scientists from the University of Birmingham are developing a system that could better identify which sperm are most likely to fertilize an egg successfully.
This innovative project, starting during National Fertility Awareness Week (31 October – 6 November 2016), brings together experts in mathematics, bioengineering, computer science, and clinical medicine. Their goal is to improve current fertility treatments by providing clearer, more precise sperm analysis.
Currently, infertility treatments like IVF face challenges due to limited diagnostic tools. Traditional sperm monitoring does not use the latest technology and often gives only basic information, such as sperm count and swimming speed. This can lead to costly, stressful treatments without guaranteed results.
The new system will use advanced phase-contrast imaging to closely observe sperm cells. Then, mathematical models will analyze their movement and shape to find the ones with the best chance of fertilization. This approach aims to identify sperm that are not only fast swimmers but also correctly formed and efficient.
Dr. Dave Smith, who leads the project, explains: “Male infertility makes up about half of all infertility cases. But current tests are too basic and don’t provide enough detail. IVF is expensive and hard on couples, especially women. We want to offer a new way to look at sperm and infertility—beyond simple statistics—to understand what healthy sperm should do.”
The team hopes their work will lead to new equipment used in clinics to assess sperm health more accurately. This could guide doctors and patients on the best treatment options or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking if it harms sperm quality.
Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), praised the project: “This research highlights the important role of our Healthcare Technologies Challenge Award winners. Their work could improve sperm analysis, reduce the stress of infertility, and offer better advice to couples trying to conceive.”
In the long term, this technology may help optimize fertility treatments like IVF, making them more affordable and successful. Couples struggling with infertility might soon benefit from smarter diagnostics that guide them toward healthier outcomes and less emotional strain.
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