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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 142 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Merrion Fertility Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin, Dublin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 19, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06602687 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
- Study coordinator: Louise E Glover, PhD
- Email: lglover@merrionfertility.ie
- Phone: 353 + 15567900
Similar studies
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This trial tests whether an AI-based embryo selection tool can help pick the best embryo for transfer on day 5 in IVF/ICSI to improve pregnancy chances for people with infertility.
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This study tests whether freezing and thawing sperm can help keep younger-like DNA and molecular traits in men as they age.
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Unstimulated Egg Retrieval with CAPA-IVM and Euploid Embryo Transfer
This study tests whether eggs can be collected without ovarian stimulation, matured in the lab, and used to create a single euploid embryo for transfer in infertility patients.
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In people under 40 with deep infiltrating endometriosis and infertility, the study tests whether two injections of a GnRH agonist before hormone support improve pregnancy outcomes in their first frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
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Endometrial Waves and Pregnancy in FET Cycles with Hormone Therapy
This study tests whether patterns of uterine contractions during hormone-prepared frozen embryo transfer affect pregnancy outcomes.
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Environmental and lifestyle factors linked to ART success in infertility patients
This study follows 5,000 infertile men and women to see how environmental exposures and lifestyle relate to the success of assisted reproductive technology.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.