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Scientists have developed a non-invasive test that can predict whether men with zero sperm counts are capable of fathering children through IVF.
Current methods rely on surgery to find out if a man has viable sperm that can be retrieved for fertility treatment.
The research, in Science Translational Medicine, suggests two biomarkers can identify who will benefit from surgery.
A UK fertility expert said the test, which will take at least a year to bring to the clinic, was "encouraging".
Male infertility is responsible for about half of cases of infertility.
Men who produce no sperm can sometimes be helped to father a biological child through fertility treatment if they have normal sperm that can be extracted surgically.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25018137
Current methods rely on surgery to find out if a man has viable sperm that can be retrieved for fertility treatment.
The research, in Science Translational Medicine, suggests two biomarkers can identify who will benefit from surgery.
A UK fertility expert said the test, which will take at least a year to bring to the clinic, was "encouraging".
Male infertility is responsible for about half of cases of infertility.
Men who produce no sperm can sometimes be helped to father a biological child through fertility treatment if they have normal sperm that can be extracted surgically.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25018137