RecruitingObservational

New measurements of human sperm motility as a prediction of fertility

When trying for a baby, the way sperm move is just as important as how many there are. To fertilise an egg naturally or during treatment, sperm must swim through thick fluids and perform powerful movements. Standard clinic checks usually focus on counting sperm, which does not always give the full picture. This study tests a new computer programme developed by researchers in Birmingham. The software uses artificial intelligence to closely analyse videos of sperm swimming under a microscope. It looks at the precise beats of the sperm tail to see if this can predict treatment results. If you take part, your fertility treatment carries on exactly as planned. The team simply uses video data already gathered in the laboratory. There are no extra tests or hospital visits. This research aims to help doctors choose the most effective fertility treatments for people in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

6,000

Start

01 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2029

Fertility; infertility; semen analysis; sperm testing

What is this study about?

For a sperm to fertilise an egg, it has to complete a difficult journey. It must swim through different types of fluid, steer in the right direction, and trigger a sudden burst of powerful movement at just the right moment. At the moment, routine fertility tests mainly look at how many sperm are present and whether they are moving in a general sense. This does not always tell doctors enough about how well the sperm might perform.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Hospital have created a new computer programme to look much closer. Using video taken through a microscope, the software tracks the tiny, rapid beats of each sperm tail. The goal of this project, called the My-I Study, is to see if these detailed swimming patterns can predict whether a fertility treatment is likely to work.

Taking part will not change your clinical journey. You will receive your planned fertility care as normal, and the team will only analyse the video data created during your routine laboratory work. By comparing these swimming patterns to real-world treatment outcomes, the researchers hope to design better, more accurate tests. In the future, this could help doctors match people to the right treatments sooner, avoiding unnecessary delays and emotional stress.

Key takeaways

Tests a new computer tool that analyses sperm tail movements from routine microscope videos.
Aims to find out if detailed swimming patterns predict fertility treatment success.
Does not involve any extra clinic visits, medications, or changes to your care.
Open to adults aged 18 and over undergoing assisted conception at participating centres.
Offers no direct personal medical benefit, but could improve fertility care for future families.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who are having assisted fertility treatment at a participating clinic. To be involved, the treatment cycle must have swimming sperm available in the laboratory.

You can take part whether you are using your own sperm and eggs or using donor sperm or donor eggs. If you are using donor sperm, only the person receiving the treatment needs to give consent. If donor eggs are used, the partner providing the sperm gives consent.

You cannot join if you or your partner decide not to give consent for your routine clinic data to be used in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or older.
I (or my partner) am currently having assisted fertility treatment at a participating clinic.
There are swimming sperm available for this treatment cycle.
I am happy for routine laboratory video data to be used for research.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study does not require any extra effort from you. There are no extra clinic visits, blood tests, or medications. Your fertility treatment will follow the exact pathway agreed with your doctor. During your normal laboratory preparation, scientists will record short microscope videos of the moving sperm, which is already standard practice in many clinics. The research team will then run these videos through the new software and check the results against the outcome of your treatment cycle. The overall study runs between 2026 and 2030, but your involvement simply covers your normal treatment period.

Potential risks and benefits

Because the study only uses video recordings taken during your standard care, there are no physical risks, extra side effects, or added discomfort for you. Taking part will not change or improve your personal treatment outcome, meaning there is no direct medical benefit to you. However, you will be helping to develop better tests that could save future patients time and heartache. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw your consent at any time without your medical care or relationship with your clinic being affected in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre
City only
Birmingham, England

Common questions

Will taking part change my fertility treatment?

No. Your treatment, medications, and clinic appointments will stay exactly as planned by your medical team.

Do I need to provide extra semen samples?

No. The study only uses the sample you already provide as part of your standard fertility care.

Can I take part if I am using donor sperm or eggs?

Yes. People using donor sperm or donor eggs can take part, provided appropriate consent is given.

Will I get the detailed video results for my own treatment?

No. The software is being tested for research purposes and will not be used to guide your personal treatment decisions.

What happens if I change my mind?

You are free to stop taking part at any point. Deciding not to participate will never affect the quality of your care.

How to find out more

- RESEARCH NURSE

researchdonor@bham.ac.uk +44 7469 375 162 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.