Abstract

BackgroundHuman sperm quality fluctuates over time. Therefore, it is crucial for couples preparing for natural pregnancy to monitor sperm motility.ObjectiveThis study verified the performance of an artificial intelligence–based image recognition and cloud computing sperm motility testing system (Bemaner, Createcare) composed of microscope and microfluidic modules and designed to adapt to different types of smartphones.MethodsSperm videos were captured and uploaded to the cloud with an app. Analysis of sperm motility was performed by an artificial intelligence–based image recognition algorithm then results were displayed. According to the number of motile sperm in the vision field, 47 (deidentified) videos of sperm were scored using 6 grades (0-5) by a male-fertility expert with 10 years of experience. Pearson product-moment correlation was calculated between the grades and the results (concentration of total sperm, concentration of motile sperm, and motility percentage) computed by the system.ResultsGood correlation was demonstrated between the grades and results computed by the system for concentration of total sperm (r=0.65, P<.001), concentration of motile sperm (r=0.84, P<.001), and motility percentage (r=0.90, P<.001).ConclusionsThis smartphone-based sperm motility test (Bemaner) accurately measures motility-related parameters and could potentially be applied toward the following fields: male infertility detection, sperm quality test during preparation for pregnancy, and infertility treatment monitoring. With frequent at-home testing, more data can be collected to help make clinical decisions and to conduct epidemiological research.

Highlights

  • Infertility is a worldwide problem, with a prevalence of 15% [1], and sperm plays an important role [2]

  • All these advantages can allow users to be tested in a setting that encourages more frequent measurements, while preserving the privacy and accuracy of results, similar to those of other point-of-care test systems that have been applied in based system for measuring sperm motility (Bemaner) (Shenzhen Createcare Technology Co) is a smartphone-based home sperm motility measurement system composed of a microscope and microfluidic modules and is designed to adapt to different types of smartphone designs and interfaces (Figure 1)

  • Unlike the Kobori single ball-lens system, in which motile and static sperm are counted by a person [10], for Bemaner, analysis of sperm motility is performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition algorithm, and results are displayed to end users on the smartphone interface

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Summary

Introduction

Infertility is a worldwide problem, with a prevalence of 15% [1], and sperm plays an important role [2]. Men are asked to have semen analysis performed at a doctor's office or laboratory, a procedure that is both time-consuming and embarrassing for men, according to our clinical observations and prior literature [5] It makes frequent measurement of sperm concentration and motility difficult. To tackle this problem, several trials of home sperm tests were developed in the past few decades, such as SpermCheck [6], Fertell [7], and Trak Male Fertility Testing System [8]. It is crucial for couples preparing for natural pregnancy to monitor sperm motility

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