Centre for Human Reproductive Science
Future Generations
Diagnostic Innovation
Treatment Innovation
We examine how our novel diagnostics can lead through to improving the success and affordability of treatments. This includes both lifestyle choices and how novel methods can select the very best sperm from each sample.
Information and Outreach :
Nothing in fertility is more important than the actual people and public having the correct information to make their own decisions
We know that organisations which have strong values and behaviours do well and that teams and individuals are engaged, happy and motivated in their work.
As a research group we work closely with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS FT and therefore we expect to work to develop and embed our joint values and we will continue to ensure that they underpin the way we care for our patients and each other.
One more to even up the grid
Sperm quality,
motility and count
declines with age
The first IVF baby
was born in 1978
Men produce
approx. 1500
sperm a second
It takes
3 months
to make new sperm
Infertility affects
men and women
equally
IVF Birth rate:
34% (<38 years)
Sperm can survive in the female body for
5 days
Infertility:
33% Woman,
33% Man,
33% Unknown/both
1 in 20 couples
will experience secondary infertility
1 in 3 cases of
infertility are
unexplained
1 in 6 couples
experience infertility
Our Research Achievements
The ChRS team have made advances in various areas, these include achievements in:
- Translational medicine, such as the invention of the male Fertell over-the-counter home fertility test.
- The first detailed studies of ion channels in human sperm.
- Detailed characterisation of the events occurring in sperm in response to steroid hormones, including the discovery of slow calcium oscillations, now thought to possibly regulate motility. To date the identity of the cell receptors involved has not been clearly elucidated.
- Substantial follow-up data of children born through IVF treatment to check for increased risks associated with the treatment.
- ChRS also has psychology collaborations to actively pursue research enabling better understanding of patient feelings and care during fertility treatment; and issues surrounding motivation to be a donor and receipt of donor gametes.
- Development of the world-first FAST software allowing one-slick analysis of sperm flagellar motility
- Key role in developing guidance and regulation in donor gamete conception
- Internationally leading clinical trials including the HABSelect trial, which proved sperm selection can mitigate the risk of miscarriage and proved male factors in miscarriage matter
Featured
We are delighted to be hosting the International Spermatology Sympoisum 2026 this summer!
Join us from Wednesday 29th July – Sunday 2nd August
The International Symposium on Spermatology brings together scientists from across research fields including human, mammal, agricultural, plant and sea life with a common interest in sperm function, to share their latest research which is shaping the field of reproduction.
The ISS XV programme features renowned speakers from all over the world, short verbal presentations and poster presentations.
Have you been diagnosed with unexplained infertility? You may be eligible to take part in an exciting clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of IVF and IUI.
Unity is A randomised controlled trial evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of Intra Utertine Insemination versus In-Vitro Fertilisation for UNexplained infertility.
Click here for more information on the trail and to see if you’re eligible to take part.
