ICMR & Amity University Develop AI-Powered ‘Fertility Predictor’

The AI-based tool, called ‘Fertility Predictor,’ was developed after analyzing data from over 500 men with YCMD who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in partnership with Amity University, has developed an artificial intelligence-based tool to detect types of Y chromosome microdeletions (YCMD)—a key genetic cause of male infertility—and predict in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

The findings of this innovative development were published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics last week.

Y chromosome microdeletion is a genetic defect observed in one out of every 10 infertile men, impacting sperm production.

Dr Deepak Modi, senior scientist at ICMR’s National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) and lead author of the study, explained, “In about 50% of couples facing infertility, the issue lies with the male partner. For some, the inability to produce sufficient sperm is caused by YCMD, leaving medical treatments ineffective in improving sperm count.”

Such men can only achieve fatherhood through assisted reproductive techniques like IVF, Dr Modi noted.

Introducing ‘Fertility Predictor’

The AI-based tool, called ‘Fertility Predictor,’ was developed after analyzing data from over 500 men with YCMD who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.

By applying machine learning algorithms, the tool predicts sperm retrieval rates, fertilization rates, and the likelihood of achieving clinical pregnancy and live births.

“Fertility Predictor can help couples make informed decisions by providing numerical outputs for these parameters based on the specific type of Y chromosome microdeletion,” Dr Modi said.

The tool was validated on another dataset, achieving an accuracy of around 80%, according to Dr Stacy Colaco, NIRRCH scientist and first author of the study.

While the tool represents a significant advancement in addressing male infertility, Dr. Modi highlighted an important limitation: male children born through IVF to men with YCMD will inherit the defect, resulting in infertility for the next generation.

“The genetic defect is 100% transmitted from fathers to their sons,” he cautioned.

The development of ‘Fertility Predictor’ took nearly two years, leveraging a robust database and expertise in AI and genetics.

Dr Abhishek Sengupta from Amity University emphasized its high accuracy and utility in predicting ART outcomes.

The tool is expected to provide critical insights for couples facing infertility challenges, marking a new chapter in personalized reproductive care.

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