There is good evidence that sperm with damaged DNA may result in poor IVF outcome. Sperm with DNA damage can be present in men with "normal" or abnormal semen analyses.

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcome of IVF treatment using sperm prepared by standard methods with treatment using sperm prepared by electrophoretic filtration. In this new method of preparing sperm, an electric current is used to draw sperm across a membrane filter. Negatively charged sperm appear to have the most intact DNA and can be separated from sperm with damaged DNA.

Couples attending Westmead Fertility Centre for IVF are invited to participate in this study providing they are
    - between the ages of 18 and 38
    - undergoing their 1st or 2nd cycle of IVF (NOT ICSI)
    - expected to have at least 10 eggs retrieved during their cycle
If you are eligible to participate in this study, the eggs retrieved in your IVF cycle will be equally divided. Half will be inseminated with your sperm that has been prepared by the standard method and the other half will be inseminated with your sperm prepared by the novel (electrophoretic filtration) method.
We will assess the ability of sperm prepared by the two methods to achieve normal fertilisation, good embryo development and pregnancy.
Please contact us if you would like to know more about the study.