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Sperm DNA Fragmentation / Sperm DNA Integrity Test

What Is a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test?

Introduction

When couples face challenges in conceiving, traditional semen analysis (count, motility, morphology) might not tell the full story.
The Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test — also known as the Sperm DNA Integrity Test — provides deeper insights by evaluating the quality of the genetic material carried by sperm. High DNA fragmentation can negatively impact fertility, pregnancy rates, and embryo development, even if semen analysis appears normal.

Why Is Sperm DNA Integrity Important?

Healthy sperm must carry intact, undamaged DNA to successfully fertilize an egg and support healthy embryo development.
If DNA within the sperm is fragmented or broken:

Fertilization may fail
Embryos may stop developing
Miscarriage risk increases
IVF or ICSI success rates decrease

Thus, testing DNA integrity offers crucial information for diagnosing unexplained infertility, recurrent IVF failures, or miscarriages.

When Should You Consider a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test?

Recurrent IVF or ICSI failures
Repeated miscarriages
Unexplained infertility
Advanced male age (>40 years)
Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
History of infections, smoking, toxin exposure, or chemotherapy
Poor lifestyle factors (obesity, stress, poor diet)

Common Methods to Assess Sperm DNA Fragmentation

SCSA (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay): Measures DNA strand breaks.
TUNEL Assay (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling): Detects DNA breaks in sperm cells.
Comet Assay: Visualizes DNA damage as a “comet tail” under a microscope.
SCD Test (Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test): Detects DNA fragmentation based on halo formation around sperm heads.

Each test type provides a DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), indicating the percentage of damaged sperm.

Interpretation of Test Results

Low DFI (<15%): Good sperm DNA quality.
Moderate DFI (15–30%): Potential fertility issues; counseling recommended.
High DFI (>30%): Significant risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, or poor IVF/ICSI outcomes.

Higher DNA fragmentation can explain infertility even when basic semen parameters are normal.

Causes of Increased Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Oxidative stress
Environmental toxins (pollution, pesticides)
Smoking and alcohol use
Infections and fevers
Advanced paternal age
Varicocele
Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle

Treatment Options for High Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, improving diet, managing stress
Antioxidant therapy: Supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CoQ10
Varicocele repair: If a varicocele is contributing to the damage
Using Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): Testicular sperm often have lower DNA damage
Advanced IVF techniques: Such as PICSI (Physiological ICSI) or IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)

Conclusion

The Sperm DNA Fragmentation / Sperm DNA Integrity Test is a powerful diagnostic tool that looks beyond conventional semen parameters, uncovering hidden causes of infertility and guiding personalized fertility treatments. Protect your chances of conception by understanding and optimizing sperm DNA health.

Interested in learning more or getting tested?

Book Your Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test and Consultation With Our Fertility Experts Today!

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