SPOT Study

SpermQT Prospective Observational Trial (SPOT)

Inception Fertility and Inherent Biosciences are partnering in a research study designed to evaluate the accuracy of a new, non-invasive sperm test for IUI patients, SpermQT.

Inherent Biosciences is a team of biologists, data scientists, and healthcare providers working together to pioneer new ways to diagnose issues in reproductive health, starting with male fertility.

Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples and infertility rates have been rising for several decades. While most of the clinical treatment and attention is placed on the female partner, it is estimated that 40-50% of infertility issues are due to factors associated with the male partner. Currently, the technologies associated with male infertility diagnostics are limited. The gold standard male factor infertility diagnostic is the semen analysis, which visually monitors the sperm quantity, shape, and movement under a microscope. While helpful to triage patients with no visible sperm (or very low sperm counts), the ability of the semen analysis to predict fertility outcomes in all other patients is very limited.

SpermQT (Sperm Quality Test) is a new male infertility diagnostic test which uses cutting edge science to determine the possible presence of abnormalities in sperm from a semen sample, looking at over 1200 genes that are essential for proper sperm function.

Key Participant Requirements

We are seeking couples who have been recommended for IUI, or recently completed an IUI.

Study participants must meet the following criteria:

Male partner age 18-44 years old.
Female partner age 18-37 years old.
Both male and female partner must have a BMI less than 40.
Both male and female partner must sign the study consent form.
Patients must not have a history of male testosterone replacement therapy within the last 6 months, recurrent pregnancy loss, severe endometriosis, multiple uterine fibroids, severe Asherman’s Syndrome, severe mullerian anomaly or lack of tubal patency.

During the study, participants who are eligible will:

The male partner will provide a semen sample using an at-home collection kit provided.

Ship the sample to the study lab via USPS using a prepaid shipping label.

Complete a short online questionnaire.

As part of the study, participants will receive

a $100 gift card after submission of the semen sample and completion of the online questionnaire.

Sign up

If you’re interested in participating, please complete the form and a member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study details.