A promising new blood test that leverages artificial intelligence to predict male infertility could soon be implemented in general practice settings, according to researchers. This breakthrough, detailed in the journal Scientific Reports, aims to simplify the initial screening process by eliminating the need for traditional semen analysis.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 4,000 men between 2011 and 2020, led to the development of an AI model capable of forecasting infertility risk with approximately 74% accuracy. This model operates by assessing various hormone levels in a blood sample that are indicative of sperm production.
Notably, the AI model demonstrated a perfect 100% accuracy rate in identifying non-obstructive azoospermia—a severe form of infertility where no sperm is present in the semen. Researchers suggest that this innovative blood test could greatly enhance accessibility to infertility screening by allowing general practitioners to conduct tests without the need for specialized laboratory facilities.
Hideyuki Kobayashi, an associate professor of urology at Toho University School of Medicine in Japan and lead developer of the AI model, emphasized that this test is intended as an initial screening tool rather than a replacement for semen analysis. Kobayashi hopes that the model will eventually be adopted by clinical laboratories and health check-up centers, thus addressing barriers to infertility testing and making it more readily available.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 7% of men globally suffer from infertility, with approximately half of fertility issues in heterosexual couples attributable to male factors. Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Manchester, remarked that this approach could simplify and expedite the diagnostic process. Currently, diagnosing male infertility requires semen analysis at a specialist lab, which often necessitates time off work and additional appointments.
Pacey noted, “The prospect of performing a preliminary diagnosis using a blood sample taken by a GP offers significant advantages.” However, he pointed out that for the AI model to be practical, it would need to be integrated into a user-friendly app for general practitioners. While the final diagnosis would still require semen analysis, this initial blood test could streamline the process and enhance patient convenience, pending validation through larger datasets.
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