In a significant advancement for male fertility treatment, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with Amity University, has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tool designed to predict the success of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for men suffering from a genetic condition known as Y chromosome microdeletion (YCMD). This condition is one of the leading causes of male infertility, affecting approximately 10% of infertile men.
Deepak Modi, senior scientist at ICMR’s National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), highlighted that male infertility is the cause of nearly half of all infertility cases. YCMD, which disrupts sperm production in men, is a key factor contributing to infertility. Men with this genetic defect often cannot produce enough sperm, making conception through natural means impossible. These individuals typically require assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF, to become fathers.
AI-Based Tool Offers Hope for Predicting IVF Success
The new AI-powered tool, called “Fertility Predictor,” leverages machine learning algorithms to forecast critical aspects of IVF success in men with YCMD. Specifically, the tool predicts sperm retrieval rates, fertilization rates, clinical pregnancy outcomes, and live birth rates based on the specific type of Y chromosome microdeletion present. This can provide valuable insights for couples undergoing IVF, helping them make more informed decisions about their reproductive options.
Dr. Modi emphasized that, while the tool offers valuable predictions, male babies born through IVF using sperm from fathers with YCMD will inherit the condition. As YCMD is passed down exclusively from father to son, these male offspring would also face infertility due to the genetic defect.
Data-Driven Approach to AI Tool Development
The development of the Fertility Predictor tool took approximately two years and involved analyzing data from more than 500 men with YCMD who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART). By applying AI algorithms to this dataset, the researchers were able to create a model capable of accurately predicting IVF outcomes. Validation studies on a separate subset of data revealed that the tool achieved an impressive accuracy rate of about 80%.
Stacy Colaco, a scientist at NIRRCH and the first author of the study, explained that the tool not only predicts clinical pregnancy and live birth rates but also provides a numerical output that can aid couples in understanding their chances of success. Abhishek Sengupta, assistant professor at Amity University, further confirmed that the tool demonstrated high accuracy and robustness, particularly in predicting pregnancy outcomes based solely on the type of Y chromosome microdeletion.
A Step Forward in Male Infertility Treatment
This innovative AI tool represents a major breakthrough in the field of male fertility, providing much-needed support for couples facing infertility challenges due to YCMD. The tool’s ability to predict IVF outcomes with high accuracy offers hope for more personalized and effective treatments, helping men with genetic infertility issues navigate the complex world of assisted reproduction.
As fertility treatments continue to evolve, the development of AI-powered tools like Fertility Predictor could redefine how doctors approach infertility diagnosis and treatment, making the process more efficient and transparent for patients.
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