Our Science
The science behind PS Fertility’s testing focuses on limitations of current male sperm analysis which focuses only on the number, shape and motility of sperm, with no information about the likelihood of fertilization with the egg. Many men have a normal semen analysis test but are, in fact, infertile.
Of course, it’s well known that sexual reproduction requires a productive fusion between the male sperm and female egg. A breakthrough discovery by researchers at the University of Virginia found that phosphatidylserine, known as PS, is essential for sperm-egg fusion. This step in the fertilization process is the basis of PS Fertility’s testing.
pink dye indicates phosphatidylserine (PS) present on sperm
The study, published in Nature Communications, focused on PS on viable sperm and PS recognition receptors on eggs. They found that when PS is flipped to the outside of the sperm, it allows the fusion of sperm and egg. When PS is masked in the interaction between the sperm and egg, fertilization does not occur. This means that by testing for the presence of PS, we can determine the likelihood of the sperm to promote fusion with the egg, resulting in fertilization.
PS Fertility applied this knowledge to a novel male fertility diagnostic tool that quantifies the percentage of sperm with exposed PS and assigns a PS score. The PS score indicates the percentage of sperm capable of fertilizing an egg. This test, called PS Detect, gives couples a more complete picture of fertility that can expand treatment options for males with infertility.
PS Fertility is using this science to provide this testing to couples through convenient and discreet at-home sample collection. These tests have the potential to significantly change the landscape of fertility, providing new treatment options for couples facing fertility issues, leading to increased conceptions and ultimately more births.