Comparing two methods of sperm preparation for intrauterine insemination

The Sperm Preparation Prior to Intrauterine Insemination Study (PIoUS)

Not applicable Interventional University of California, San Francisco · NCT05693220

This study is testing which of two sperm preparation methods helps couples trying to get pregnant through intrauterine insemination achieve better pregnancy outcomes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT05693220 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized controlled trial that compares two sperm preparation methods: density gradient centrifugation and microfluidic sperm sorting using the Zymot Multi device. Participants will be assigned to one of the two methods while undergoing intrauterine insemination over a three-month treatment period. The study aims to evaluate the cumulative pregnancy outcomes of each method, with follow-up until 8-10 weeks of pregnancy to assess results. Standard treatment plans will be followed as designed by the participants' fertility physicians.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals assigned female at birth, under the age of 41, who are undergoing intrauterine insemination.

Not a fit: Patients with significant diseases, psychiatric disorders, prior insemination experiences, or those using frozen donor sperm may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve pregnancy rates for patients undergoing intrauterine insemination.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored sperm preparation methods, but this specific comparison of microfluidic sorting versus density gradient centrifugation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing intrauterine insemination
* Patient assigned female at birth with age \<41

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any significant disease or psychiatric disorder that would interfere with the consenting process
* Prior intrauterine insemination
* Use of frozen donor sperm
* Non-English speaker

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions InfertilityInfertility SecondaryInfertility UnexplainedAnovulationFertility DisordersReproductive IssuesIntrauterine InseminationInsemination
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.