Success in IVF treatment is closely related not only to egg and embryo quality but also to the characteristics of the sperm used for fertilization. For this reason, sperm preparation and selection in IVF laboratories is one of the key stages of treatment.
In recent years, one of the methods aimed at bringing sperm selection closer to physiological conditions is microchip sperm selection, also known as microfluidic sperm selection.
So, what is microchip sperm selection? How is it performed? Does it reduce sperm DNA fragmentation? Should it be used for every IVF patient?
What is microchip (microfluidic chip) sperm selection?
Microchip sperm selection is a modern sperm preparation method that aims to obtain a more selected group of sperm by utilizing the movement characteristics of sperm cells within very small microchannels. Traditional sperm preparation methods may involve techniques such as swim-up or density gradient centrifugation. In microfluidic systems, however, the movement and physical properties of sperm within microchannels are utilized. The goal is to select sperm cells that are particularly motile and may have better DNA integrity, thereby creating a sperm group suitable for use in IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).How is microchip sperm selection performed?
A sperm sample is placed into a specially prepared microfluidic system. The microchannels within the microchip allow sperm cells to move and progress through them. The goal is to separate the more motile sperm cells from a specific region and use this selected sperm group in the ICSI procedure. One of the method’s key features is that, unlike some traditional sperm preparation methods, it enables sperm selection without the need for centrifugation. Microfluidic systems aim to perform sperm selection in a way that mimics certain natural selection mechanisms found in the female reproductive system.Does microchip sperm selection reduce sperm DNA fragmentation?
This is one of the most extensively studied aspects of the method. Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to the disruption of DNA integrity within the sperm cell. High sperm DNA fragmentation may be associated with certain cases of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. A significant portion of studies on microfluidic sperm selection have shown that DNA fragmentation is lower in the selected sperm group. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2025 reported that DNA fragmentation in sperm selected using microfluidic methods was lower than that in sperm selected using traditional methods. The same study also reported improvements in progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology. However, the researchers emphasized the need for stronger studies, particularly regarding live birth outcomes. Therefore, it is more accurate to view the microchip method not as a method that “treats DNA damage,” but as a laboratory method that can help select sperm cells with more favorable characteristics.Does microchip sperm selection increase IVF success rates?
It is not possible to answer this question with a definitive “yes” for every patient at this time. Some studies have reported positive outcomes in terms of clinical pregnancy or live birth following microchip sperm selection. For example, in a randomized study involving 128 patients, the live birth rate was found to be higher in the group that used microfluidic sperm selection. In contrast, other randomized studies have shown no significant difference in terms of clinical pregnancy and live birth. In a randomized study evaluating 122 couples with unexplained infertility, the live birth rate was 38.3% in the microchip group and 36.2% in the traditional sperm preparation group, and the difference was not statistically significant. A more recent randomized study from 2026 also demonstrated that the microfluidic method can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation; however, the method’s definitive superiority over traditional density gradient centrifugation in terms of clinical outcomes has not been established. Therefore, based on current scientific evidence, the most accurate statement is: Microchip sperm selection may improve certain sperm characteristics, particularly DNA integrity; however, it has not been definitively shown to increase the chance of a live birth in every patient.Who is a candidate for microchip sperm selection?
Microchip sperm selection is not routinely necessary for every IVF patient. A more appropriate approach is to make a decision by evaluating the patient’s sperm characteristics, previous IVF/ICSI treatments, and, when necessary, a sperm DNA fragmentation test. It may be considered, in particular, in the following situations:- High sperm DNA fragmentation
- Recurrent IVF/ICSI failures
- Severe male-factor infertility
- Previously observed lower-than-expected embryo development
- Issues with sperm motility or quality
- Previous unsuccessful outcomes with assisted reproductive technologies
- Men Exposed to Smoking, Severe Stress, and Environmental Factors
