Scrotal Electrical Current for Male Fertility Improvement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for improving male fertility, such as Assisted Reproductive Techniques, often require invasive procedures and do not effectively address sperm abnormalities or low sperm counts, which are common causes of male infertility.
Innovation Solution
Applying a positive direct current (DC) electrical current below the sensation level, ranging from 1 to 1000 μA, to the scrotum to increase sperm count and quality by concentrating and immobilizing sperm, thereby enhancing fertility for both assisted reproductive techniques and natural conception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive procedures such as Testicular Sperm Aspiration or Testicular Sperm Extraction are used to obtain semen for assisted reproduction, then sperm can be obtained for fertilization, but the procedure becomes painful and carries higher medical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive sperm retrieval methods with an electrical field-based approach. A positive electrical current is applied to the scrotum to attract and concentrate sperm externally, eliminating the need for needle aspiration or surgical extraction while achieving the same goal of obtaining sperm for fertilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the external environment and sperm. Instead of directly penetrating tissue to reach sperm, the electrical field acts as a mediator that attracts sperm through the scrotal tissue, concentrating them at the application site without physical invasion
2Reliability
If Assisted Reproductive Techniques are used to treat male infertility, then pregnancy can be achieved, but the treatment complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical stimulation before sperm retrieval or fertilization procedures to pre-concentrate and immobilize sperm in the scrotum. This preliminary action increases the efficiency of subsequent sperm collection and improves the likelihood of successful fertilization, potentially reducing the need for multiple ART cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (current strength, duration, frequency) of the applied field to optimize sperm concentration and immobilization. By adjusting these parameters, the treatment can be tailored to individual patients' needs, improving fertility outcomes with a relatively simple device
3Quantity of substance
If high electrical current is applied to stimulate sperm production, then sperm count may increase, but the current causes sensation and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a low level electrical current that is below the sensation threshold (less than 1000 μA). This partial action is sufficient to attract and concentrate sperm through electrostatic attraction without reaching the intensity needed to cause pain or tissue damage, achieving the desired effect with minimal harmful exposure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly increases sperm count and quality without causing discomfort, providing a higher probability of successful assisted reproduction and spontaneous conception, even in men with low sperm counts, while being safe and non-invasive.
Implementation Method 1
Previous studies show that mature sperm membranes possess a negative electrical charge between −16 mV to −20 mV, often termed zeta potential or electrokinetic potential... sperm known to possess an electric charge of between −16 mV to −20 mV attracts to positive electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods for improving male fertility inter alia by increasing sperm count in a male subject. The methods of the invention comprise applying a positive electrical current below sensation level to at least one site of a scrotum of a subject in need thereof.