Lab Grown Sperm Could Cure Male Infertility

Sperm has been successfully grown in a test tube for the first time, a breakthrough technology that could eventually help cure male infertility, Japanese scientists said Thursday. In the experiment, researchers at Yokohama City University were able to produce healthy, fertile offspring using the laboratory created sperm. Their findings can be found in the journal Nature. “Until now, none of the attempts have been wholly suc cessful, and when the sperm have been used, the pups born have not been healthy and have soon died,” said Dr. Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield, in northern England. The next step is to reproduce the technique in humans as the technology will give new hope to men with low sperm counts or abnormal sperm. “Until now, none of the attempts have been wholly successful, and when the sperm have been used, the pups born have not been healthy and have soon died,” said Dr. Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield, in northern England. The findings could also be a boon for young male cancer patients. Because the technique also works when the tissue samples were frozen and thawed again, fertility in young boys could be preserved before they underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy by freezing their sperm

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lab grown sperm and how does it work?

Lab grown sperm is created by taking testicular tissue samples and cultivating them in laboratory conditions to produce functional sperm cells. Japanese researchers at Yokohama City University successfully used this technique to create healthy, fertile offspring in mice, marking a significant breakthrough in reproductive science. The technology works even when tissue samples have been frozen and thawed, which could be particularly beneficial for preserving fertility.

When will lab grown sperm be available on the NHS?

This technology is still in the experimental stages and has only been successfully tested in mice so far. Before it could be offered through NHS fertility services, extensive human trials would need to take place, followed by approval from the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority). It could be many years before this treatment becomes available for couples trying to conceive in the UK.

Could this treatment help men with low sperm count?

Researchers are hopeful that once perfected for humans, this technique could offer new options for men with low sperm counts or abnormal sperm. Currently, around 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, with male factor infertility accounting for approximately half of these cases. This breakthrough could eventually provide an alternative for men who cannot produce viable sperm naturally.

How could lab grown sperm help young cancer patients in the UK?

One of the most promising applications is for young boys facing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can damage fertility. Because the technique works with frozen tissue samples, testicular tissue could be preserved before cancer treatment begins and used later to create sperm. This could be life-changing for families, as current NHS fertility preservation options for pre-pubescent boys are limited.

What are my current options for male infertility treatment on the NHS?

If you're struggling to conceive, your GP can refer you for a semen analysis and further investigations. NICE guidelines recommend that couples who have been trying to conceive for over a year should be offered fertility investigations. Depending on your CCG's funding criteria, you may be eligible for treatments such as IVF with ICSI, though waiting times and eligibility vary significantly across different areas of the UK.

Is this research approved by UK fertility regulators?

The research was conducted in Japan and published in the respected journal Nature. Any future use of lab grown sperm in UK fertility clinics would require approval from the HFEA, which strictly regulates all fertility treatments and research involving human embryos. The HFEA would need to assess the safety and ethical implications before any clinical trials could begin in Britain.

What can I do now to improve sperm quality whilst trying to conceive?

Whilst lab grown sperm remains a future possibility, there are steps you can take now to support male fertility. The NHS recommends maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, and avoiding tight underwear. Many couples also find that fertility supplements containing key nutrients like zinc and selenium can help support healthy sperm production whilst trying to conceive.