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. 2020 Nov 19;8(11):e20031.
doi: 10.2196/20031.

Web- and Artificial Intelligence-Based Image Recognition For Sperm Motility Analysis: Verification Study

Vincent Fs Tsai  1   2 , Bin Zhuang  3 , Yuan-Hung Pong  2   4 , Ju-Ton Hsieh  2 , Hong-Chiang Chang  2
Affiliations

Web- and Artificial Intelligence-Based Image Recognition For Sperm Motility Analysis: Verification Study

Vincent Fs Tsai et al. JMIR Med Inform. .

Abstract

Background: Human sperm quality fluctuates over time. Therefore, it is crucial for couples preparing for natural pregnancy to monitor sperm motility.

Objective: This study verified the performance of an artificial intelligence-based image recognition and cloud computing sperm motility testing system (Bemaner, Createcare) composed of microscope and microfluidic modules and designed to adapt to different types of smartphones.

Methods: Sperm videos were captured and uploaded to the cloud with an app. Analysis of sperm motility was performed by an artificial intelligence-based image recognition algorithm then results were displayed. According to the number of motile sperm in the vision field, 47 (deidentified) videos of sperm were scored using 6 grades (0-5) by a male-fertility expert with 10 years of experience. Pearson product-moment correlation was calculated between the grades and the results (concentration of total sperm, concentration of motile sperm, and motility percentage) computed by the system.

Results: Good correlation was demonstrated between the grades and results computed by the system for concentration of total sperm (r=0.65, P<.001), concentration of motile sperm (r=0.84, P<.001), and motility percentage (r=0.90, P<.001).

Conclusions: This smartphone-based sperm motility test (Bemaner) accurately measures motility-related parameters and could potentially be applied toward the following fields: male infertility detection, sperm quality test during preparation for pregnancy, and infertility treatment monitoring. With frequent at-home testing, more data can be collected to help make clinical decisions and to conduct epidemiological research.

Keywords: Male infertility; artificial intelligence; cloud computing; home sperm test; semen analysis; smartphone; telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: BZ is the chief of research and development at Createcare. VF-ST is a medical consultant for Createcare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Bemaner smartphone-based home sperm motility test system.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Relationship between Bemaner concentration of total sperm and scored grades.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Relationships between Bemaner motility percentage and scored grades.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Relationships between Bemaner concentration of motile sperm and scored grades.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Male Infertility.
    Niederberger C. Niederberger C. J Urol. 2021 Jul;206(1):144-146. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001806. Epub 2021 Apr 20. J Urol. 2021. PMID: 33874730 No abstract available.

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