British scientists have created a chemical compound that could treat male infertility.
The research team of the University of Birmingham developed a gel type of compound, which can help boost the number of cells capable of reaching a woman's egg, to be used by couples during sex, the British Daily Telegraph’s online edition reported April 15.
"This gel can make more sperm swim through cervical mucus, which means you get more sperm into the uterus,” said Dr Jackson Kirkman-Brown, a senior lecturer in reproductive biology at the university. “This should increase natural fertility.”
Sperm have to make their way through quite a difficult environment like cold syrup or butter that’s why only a small number of sperm are able to make it toward the ova, according to Dr Kirkman-Brown. He said that something that makes them swim better was necessary to increase the number of high quality sperm
The compounds have proven successful in the laboratory but have yet to be used in clinical trials.
The research team is now applying for a patent