Unexplained Infertility
Conditions
Brief summary
Recent research has revealed that subtle abnormalities can be found in sperm samples that seem to be normal with conventional analysis techniques. The DNA in the sperm heads is sometimes fragmented and this may be the reason why couples with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility do not achieve pregnancy. We are planning a study to examine the incidence of DNA fragmentation in the sperm of couples with previously unexplained infertility. In a first treatment cycle with intra-uterine insemination the percentage of DNA fragmentation in sperm will be measured. Afterwards the results of the patients who are pregnant will be compared with those of the not pregnant ones. We expect to find differences between both groups. 100 patients will be included in the study.
Interventions
OTHERSperm Chromatin Dispersion Test
Sponsors
University Hospital, Ghent
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Unexplained infertility, i.e. female patients with ovulatory cycles and patent tubes; normal sperm analysis (WHO criteria). * Patient agrees to have a first treatment cycle with intra-uterine insemination and ovulation-induction with clomiphene citrate.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical pregnancy rate | 2 1/2 weeks after insemination | Ultrasound to diagnose intra-uterine pregnancy |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing pregnancy rate | 20 weeks after insemination | Ultrasound to diagnose an evolutive pregnancy. |
| Live birth rate | 42 weeks after insemination | Clinical report of the delivery by the obstetrician |
Countries
Belgium
Outcome results
None listed