Men suffering from a rare infertility condition have been given new hope following a genetic research breakthrough, scientists said yesterday.

Experts examining the condition known as round headed sperm, or globozoospermia, have identified a previously unknown gene thought to be a common cause of the condition.

An international team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Dundee, said they have established that a genetic defect has a sterilising effect on the men’s sperm.

Around one in 12 men suffers infertility problems, although this condition is thought to affect fewer than 1,000 men in the UK.

Globozoospermia can, however, have a dispiriting effect on sufferers since they require expensive fertility treatments which do not always end in success.

The research team, which also involved experts from the University of Strasbourg and Farah Hospital in Amman, Jordan, has shed new light on the main cause of the condition.

Christopher Barratt, professor at the Dundee’s school of medicine, said: “What we have established is a clear cause for this form of male infertility.

“It is not a particularly common condition – around one in 12 men suffer from infertility problems and round headed sperm accounts for only a small percentage of that number. But it is important that we find causes and treatments for all forms of male infertility.”

Prof. Barratt said the breakthrough could help men with the condition work out whether to pursue fertility treatment.