P-076 Sperm selection by thermotaxis: a novel technique to enhance assisted reproductive technologies’ outcomes

Abstract Study question Does sperm selection by thermotaxis increase competent spermatozoa count? Summary answer When compared to capacitation alone, our findings suggest an improvement in the availability of high quality after terms motility and morphology. What is known already Thermotaxis a natural mechanism that guides through female genital tract. It has been previously shown that, mice model, may improve pregnancy rates following vitro fertilization (IVF). However, thus far, there little information support these with human spermatozoa. design, size, duration A prospective single-center paired pilot analysis was performed between April 2021 2022 including 21 male individuals, 12 whom were donors 9 who patients asthenozoospermia (defined as < 32% progressive motility). Participants/materials, setting, methods Only otherwise healthy men 18 45 years old included. All subjects collection at clinic maximum 3 days last ejaculation. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology (all using WHO 2010 criteria) DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) assessed within same sample three time-points: fresh sample, extra procedure. Main results role chance The average age participants 34.9 ± 6.6 old. mean concentration 66.9 39.1 million/mL (91.4 26.1 donor subset (group A) versus 34.2 28.0 patient B) subgroup). median 62.0% (66.5% group 24.0% B). 7.2% (7.7% 6.7% which only performed, statistically significant (52.10% vs 82.14%, p 0.05) normal (11% 16%, observed plus thermotaxis. Conversely, did not vary significantly capacitated samples before (13% 14%). Limitations, reasons for caution present study based on limited number should be extended further. Wider implications combination optimize cells ultimately IVF. In light experience, it possible this technique, does require high-end equipment, usable count. Trial registration NCT04849156