The Efficiency of a New Sperm-Wash Device for Intrauterine Insemination in Couples With Infertility (IUI)

Chung Shan Medical University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Infertility; Male Infertility

Treatments: Procedure: Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC); Device: LensHooke CA0

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06956287

CS1-24198

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a novel sperm-wash device designed to improve outcomes in intrauterine insemination (IUI) for couples with infertility. Traditional sperm preparation methods, such as density gradient centrifugation (DGC), are associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased sperm DNA fragmentation, potentially compromising pregnancy rates. The new device aims to reduce these adverse effects by minimizing oxidative stress and preserving sperm DNA integrity.

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 120 couples will be allocated to either the intervention group using the new device or the control group using DGC. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate, while secondary outcomes include sperm DNA fragmentation. The study hypothesizes that the novel device will result in higher pregnancy rates and reduced DNA fragmentation compared to DGC. These findings may support its use as a more physiological approach to sperm preparation in fertility treatment.

Full description

This is a prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled clinical trial conducted at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. The study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel sperm-wash device-LensHooke CA0-in couples with infertility undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). A total of 120 couples will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (LensHooke CA0) or the control group (DGC).

Sperm quality will be evaluated before and after processing, and IUI will be performed following standard clinical procedures. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate confirmed by ultrasound. The secondary outcome is the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), assessed using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test.

The study hypothesizes that the novel sperm-wash device will improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage compared to the conventional method. The trial aims to provide supporting evidence for a more physiological and efficient sperm selection strategy in assisted reproduction.

Enrollment: 120 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 25 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Males aged between 25 to 50 years.
• Part of a couple diagnosed with infertility.
• Undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment.
• Sperm concentration >15 million/mL, progressive motility >32%, and total motile sperm count >40 million after wash.
• Willingness of both partners to participate and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Known female infertility factors requiring assisted reproductive technologies beyond IUI.
• Severe male factor infertility (e.g., oligoasthenoteratozoospermia).
• Use of donor sperm or oocyte.
• Chronic illness or medications affecting sperm quality.
• Prior participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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120 participants in 2 patient groups

Novel Sperm-Wash Device (CA0) Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will undergo sperm preparation using the LensHooke CA0 device. The device applies a filtration and swim-up mechanism to select sperm with improved motility, morphology, and DNA integrity, while reducing oxidative stress. The processed sperm will be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Outcomes including clinical pregnancy rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) will be assessed.

Treatment:

Device: LensHooke CA0

Conventional DGC Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this arm will undergo sperm preparation using the standard density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method. This widely used technique separates motile sperm based on density. The processed sperm will then be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI). The same outcome measures as in the experimental group will be evaluated.

Treatment:

Procedure: Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC)