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Recent studies have found that ultrasound waves have the potential to enhance sperm movement, resulting in a 266% increase in their ability to swim.
A recent research from Monash University in Melbourne has discovered that using high-frequency ultrasound waves on sperm can improve their effectiveness. This groundbreaking finding brings hope to couples worldwide who are facing challenges in conceiving.
Approximately 30% of cases of infertility are attributed to low sperm motility, indicating that the sperm lack the strength to successfully travel through the woman’s reproductive system.
A study conducted by engineers at Monash University found that exposing sperm to 800 mW and 40 MHz ultrasound for 20 seconds resulted in a 266% increase in sperm motility and a decrease in the percentage of inactive or nonprogressive sperm from 36% to 10%.
The main author of the study, Ali Vafaie, who is currently pursuing a PhD at Monash University, stated that the use of ultrasound not only improved the speed at which sperm swim, but also helped raise the motility grade of almost two-thirds of lower quality sperm.
Before undergoing ultrasound treatment, sperm with low motility exhibited the most significant improvement in motility after being exposed to ultrasound. According to clinical evidence, a mere 10% increase in sperm motility results in an 8% increase in the likelihood of pregnancy.
Dr. Reza Nosrati, director of the Monash Clayton AMB Lab, stated that the use of ultrasound has great potential to increase success rates, even in difficult cases.
According to Dr. Nosrati, increased sperm movement could potentially lead to less invasive assisted reproductive options with higher rates of success and lower risks for the future child’s health.
The speaker mentioned that by increasing the motility of immotile sperm and enhancing the existing motility of motile sperm, more individuals will be able to meet the necessary criteria for traditional IVF procedures. This can potentially replace more intrusive and expensive methods such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, which entails injecting a single sperm into each egg using a delicate needle.
A recent report in Science Advances suggests a potential solution for asthenozoospermia, which is characterized by decreased sperm motility.
Asthenozoospermia is a leading contributor to decreased male fertility.
Source: independent.co.uk
