Short summary

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the importance of seminal plasma in the stimulation of a correct endometrial response during the implantation window. We hypothesize that seminal plasma application triggers a series of immunoregulatory reactions in the endometrium preparing it for implantation increasing endometrial receptivity. This receptivity change is likely to be reflected in a changed transcriptome profile which we are going to investigate.

Rationale

It is known from many animal species that seminal plasma plays a major role in the stimulation of a correct endometrial response during implantation. However, in the fertility clinics, only the spermatozoa are used for treatments. We want to investigate the effect of seminal plasma exposure on endometrial receptivity for possible future applications in assisted reproductive technology.

Description of the cohort

lesbian and single women undergoing assisted reproduction treatments at the Fertility Clinic, OUH

Data and biological material

clinical pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome

endometrial biopsy for mRNA analysis

blood sample

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fertility Unit, Odense Unviersity Hospital:

• Jens Fedder, Professor, Consultant, PhD
• Laura Catalini, Biologist, PhD student
• Tilde Veng Eskildsen Molecular Biologist and Laboratory Manager

Department for Clinica Genetics, Odense University Hospital:

• Torben A. Kruse, Professor, Research leader
• Mads Thomassen, Professor
• Mark Burton PhD