Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 35 and up

Impact of PICSI on embryo quality in infertility treatment

Official title: Sperm Hyaluronic Binding Selection (PICSI): Impact on Embryo Aneuploid Status in Assisted Human Reproduction

Run by Merrion Fertility Clinic · NCT06602687 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a special sperm selection method called PICSI can improve the quality of embryos for couples trying to conceive through assisted reproductive technology.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages35 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment142 (estimated)
SponsorMerrion Fertility Clinic
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dublin, Dublin)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 1, 2026
Study endsJanuary 1, 2029
Registry record updatedSeptember 19, 2024
Trial IDNCT06602687 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are couples undergoing ICSI with their own fresh gametes, where the female partner is over 35 years old or the male partner is over 40 years old.

Probably not a fit

Patients using donor or frozen gametes, or those undergoing IVF cycles, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of Physiologic Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) on the euploidy rates of embryos in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology. By selecting sperm based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid, the study aims to improve sperm quality and ultimately enhance embryo viability. Couples with specific age criteria and a minimum number of mature eggs will be included, while those using donor or frozen gametes will be excluded. The study builds on previous findings that suggest PICSI may reduce miscarriage rates, despite mixed results regarding live birth rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to higher quality embryos and improved pregnancy outcomes for couples facing infertility.

How similar studies have gone: While previous studies like the HABSelect trial showed no improvement in live birth rates with PICSI, they indicated a significant reduction in miscarriage rates, suggesting potential benefits in embryo quality.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Couples undergoing a planned ICSI-PGT-A cycle using their own fresh gametes
* Female age \> 35 years and/or Male age \> 40 years
* Minimum of two mature eggs at time of egg maturity assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Couples undergoing a planned IVF cycle (even if converted to ICSI)
* Patients using donor gametes for an ICSI cycle
* Patients using frozen gametes for an ICSI cycle

Where it's running

  • Merrion Fertility Clinic
    Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.