Fertility specialists based in Southampton have developed a pioneering device that monitors oxygen, pH and temperature levels inside the womb – factors that are known to affect a baby’s development.
Professor Ying Cheong, professor in reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton, and fertility consultant at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, is leading this world-first study to better understand what a ‘healthy’ womb environment looks like and, in turn, help more women get pregnant (conceive) successfully.
Better understanding fertility issues
In the UK around one in seven couples, or 3.5 million people, experience difficulties conceiving.
There are many possible reasons for this – and fertility problems can affect either the man or the woman – but in a quarter of cases it isn't possible to identify the cause.
“Currently, fertility tests take time and some couples may not receive a diagnosis for their issues straight away.
“We want to get to the stage where we know what a healthy womb environment looks like, and to make measuring levels inside the womb as simple as taking a blood pressure reading,” explained Professor Cheong.
Collecting data from the womb
This new device, which is implanted similar to a contraceptive coil and measures 3.8mm in diameter, wirelessly sends oxygen, pH and temperature readings from inside the womb to a data chip attached to a special set of underwear worn by the patient.
The device will stay in place for up to seven days. At the end of this time, it is removed and the study team can analyse the data collected.
Understanding what’s ‘normal’
The study will recruit women who have conceived naturally and without fertility issues, as well as patients from fertility and recurrent miscarriage clinics.
This will help the team to identify a ‘normal’ range of levels which can be compared to those who experience difficulties conceiving.
“We are extremely excited about the positive impact this device could have on the NHS and patients in the future.
“Not only could it give doctors the ability to diagnose fertility issues sooner – and potentially reduce the burden of that fertility treatment brings to our patients – but it also has promising potential to inform the development of new fertility therapies and treatments.”
Initially, the study will recruit 30 patients from Southampton’s fertility clinic to test the safety and efficacy of the device before a larger group of women are recruited to gain further data.
“The most exciting part is yet to come. If we can prove that this device works, is comfortable and safe, then it can go on to make big changes in healthcare.”
The device has been developed with funding support from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Innovation for Invention grant and in partnership Vivoplex Medical – a company located within the University of Southampton Science Park.
Posted on Friday 10 August 2018