The sperm DNA fragmentation test is aimed at determining the breaks and damages in the DNA chain of the sperm, in other words, the quality of the sperm. Damages in the DNA are associated with environmental factors known as oxidants. Factors that can cause sperm DNA fragmentation are infections, smoking, drug use, exposure to environmental and occupational pollutants, advanced age, varicocele, high fever diseases, high testicular temperature, diabetes, cancer, and chronic diseases. The sperm DNA fragmentation test is tested in the laboratory by taking a semen sample collected by masturbation.
Who is candidate for sperm DNA fragmentation?
- Patients with unexplained infertility
- Patients with arrested embryo development
- Patients with poor blastocyst development
- Patients with multiple failed IVF/ICSI treatments
- Patients with recurrent miscarriage
- Men with varicocele
- Men with abnormal semen parameters
- Men with lifestyle habits that may affect sperm health, such as smoking
Fortunately, it is possible to treat sperm DNA fragmentation. If there is sperm DNA fragmentation, the patient should quit smoking at least 3 months before IVF/ICSI treatment and vitamin E and antioxidant supplements should be started. In addition, antibiotics should be used under the supervision of a doctor in case of an infection.
