There is a substance called hyaluronan among the cells around the human egg. Research suggests that this substance called hyaluronan may be effective in selecting the sperm that will fertilize the egg.
In order to test this, that is, to measure the ability of the sperm to adhere to the environment of the egg, a test called Sperm Hyaluronan Binding Assay (HBA) was produced. For this test, the sperm sample taken from the prospective father is examined and an interpretation is made based on the proportion of motile sperms bound to the hyaluronan substance. In other words, an HBA score is determined for the semen sample. It was determined that the HBA score was lower (about 40%) in sperm samples with high shape abnormalities, whereas this score was higher (around 70%) in semen samples showing normal external appearance features. As a result, it has been reported that the internal structure of sperm samples with a high rate may be healthier. High levels of severe shape abnormalities in semen samples may also be a sign of high rates of genetic (chromosomal) disorders in the sperm obtained from these samples. Therefore, it is thought that the HBA test can be used as a diagnostic test that can provide information about sperm maturity, shape and risk of chromosomal abnormalities in cases of male infertility.
Based on the possibility that chromosomal disorders in sperm may lead to miscarriages after fertilization of the egg, it has been argued that selections made using this technique can reduce miscarriage rates. However, in human studies reported to date, this test has only been investigated on sperm and has been used only for diagnostic purposes. More research needs to be done in order for the test to serve its intended purpose, that is, to be used in sperm selection at the time of microinjection, and to show what effect this can have on pregnancy outcomes. There are a very limited number of studies in the world literature comparing classical microinjection and HBA-microinjection in humans.
In addition, genetic studies conducted on human sperm and embryos have shown that the problems occurring in the embryos are new abnormalities that occur during the embryo formation process rather than originating from the sperm. In the past, similar sensational news was created about Embryo glue, that is, the adhesive or glue that allows the embryo to attach to the uterus, but research has shown that this is not the reality. It is possible that the end result of the sperm magnet will be the same, and more extensive research results on this subject should be awaited. In my opinion, it is a wrong attitude to report sensational news in the media about higher fertilization and pregnancy rates with sperm magnets, before the results of studies on humans have yet reached the scientific world.