The SpermSlow technique uses a natural principle to find the best sperm cell: only mature, high-quality sperm cells bind to hyaluronic acid — exactly as happens around the egg.
The layer surrounding an egg naturally contains hyaluronic acid. Only mature sperm cells with the right receptors can bind to it — a built-in quality check from nature.
With the SpermSlow technique, the embryologist adds a substance that mimics this natural binding. Mature, high-quality sperm cells bind to the hyaluronic acid and visibly slow down. The embryologist can identify precisely these slowed sperm cells, and then selects one specifically for the ICSI injection.
Immature sperm cells more often have DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities, which negatively affects fertilisation, embryo quality and the chance of implantation. By using only bound — i.e. mature — sperm cells, the chance of a healthy embryo increases.
The Sperm Chip selects for motility and DNA integrity via microchannels; SpermSlow selects for maturity via hyaluronic acid binding. Which technique (or combination) is worthwhile depends on the semen analysis.
No. The technique takes place entirely in the laboratory and has no effect whatsoever on your own journey.
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