Special Report: Male Infertility

Libby and Matthew Self have been trying for 3 and a half years to conceive a child.

Libby Self, Patient
"It's hard to put into words. It's just frustrating."

The Self’s are not alone. Each year, more than four and a half million couples experience infertility.

Dr. Kim Thornton, Boston IVF
"When you look at those individuals it really involves the female factor as well as the male factor."

But determining which factor can often be a difficult and painful experience

Libby Self, Patient
"It's horrible. It's the worst feeling in the world."

Now there is a simple, pain-free test for men developed by a local doctor to determine fertility

David Brown, Repromedix
"It's a really big step."

Dr. David Brown of Repromedix in Woburn is testing sperm samples with an unlikely egg donor this South African Frog

David Brown, Repromedix
"They have all the components that are necessary to activate the sperm, the same components that would be in the human egg. The only difference being that we're under the time schedule of the frog, which means that everything is speeded up."

Dr. Browns test, the sperm DNA decondensation test or the S.D.D, is done by inserting a human sperm sample into a frogs egg.

David Brown, Repromedix
"We get a quick look at how that sperm is gonna respond if it's gets into a human egg."

If the sperm does not react properly, the male is likely one of the factors of infertility. Using that information, doctors can go back to couples and ask detailed questions. They'll try to find out if the male is exposed to any chemicals that may compromise his fertility

David Brown, Repromedix
"If you find out that the couple, or that the male, both drinks and smokes a lot, hey they stop for 72 days and they have a complete turnover of their sperm."

Matthew's test came back as irregular. His sperm was not developing properly. His doctor treated him with medication a few months later…

Libby is pregnant with triplets

Matthew Self, Patient
"It's incredible, can't believe it. It really is a wonderful moment."

Libby Self, Patient
"We probably wouldn't be able to have a family if it wasn't for science."

The S.D.D. test is covered by most insurance plans! Experts we spoke to advise that the test is only one possible solution to finding causes of infertility.

For More Information:

www.repromedix.com