In vitro fertilization (IVF) has made significant advances in recent decades by integrating hormonal therapies, genetics, imaging technologies, and laboratory expertise. However, a critical step in the process—selecting the sperm cell for fertilization during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)—remains largely dependent on human judgment under the microscope. During ICSI, an embryologist chooses a single sperm to inject directly into an egg, a decision traditionally based on visual assessment of sperm motility and morphology.
The process presents inherent challenges: sperm cells are highly dynamic and contain biological information beyond what the human eye can detect, limiting the consistency and accuracy of selection. Fertilization rates following ICSI typically range from 65% to 75%, with no opportunity to refertilize an unsuccessful egg. For patients undergoing IVF, each fertilized egg can be critical, as it influences the potential for pregnancy and live birth.
A promising new development comes from BetterFit, an Israeli fertility technology firm employing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist embryologists in sperm selection. The company’s AI-driven platform utilizes advanced computer vision to analyze high-resolution images of individual sperm cells in real time, evaluating numerous morphometric features that are imperceptible to humans. This system generates a recommendation to support, not replace, the embryologist’s choice, aiming to enhance data-driven and consistent decision-making during ICSI.
Preliminary results from an initial proof-of-concept study conducted at an IVF center in Israel indicate that the AI system could predict fertilization success with an accuracy of approximately 85% to 87%. Although these findings require validation through broader and multicenter clinical trials, they suggest that improved sperm selection may enhance fertilization outcomes.
The implications of higher fertilization rates extend beyond the immediate procedure. Clinical research has shown a correlation between fertilization success and cumulative live birth rates, as more fertilized eggs lead to a greater number of viable embryos for transfer or freezing. This can decrease the need for multiple egg retrievals, shorten the time to pregnancy, and overall improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IVF treatments. Given the high expense of IVF—particularly in countries like the United States—even incremental improvements in fertilization efficiency could reduce patient costs and improve clinic performance.
BetterFit’s approach also highlights Israel’s strong position in the intersection of fertility medicine, medical device innovation, and artificial intelligence. The company’s co-founder, Professor Zeev Shoham, is a veteran fertility specialist and founder of a global fertility professional network that connects over 100,000 specialists. The firm is led by CEO Tsvi Bahat, who brings extensive experience in medical technology commercialization across multiple international markets.
Beyond the immediate product, BetterFit envisions creating a proprietary database that links high-resolution sperm images with subsequent clinical outcomes, including embryo development, pregnancy, and live birth. This growing dataset could provide a new layer of intelligence in reproductive medicine, potentially yielding broader insights into sperm quality and IVF success.
As IVF technology continues to evolve, the integration of AI in sperm selection may represent a profound shift. It moves beyond relying solely on human observation to harnessing data extracted from existing laboratory processes, potentially marking the next major advance in assisted reproduction.