Sperm DNA Fragmentation
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Questions
Yes. You can have testing without starting treatment. Some men choose testing to better understand sperm health before deciding on the next steps. Your results can help you make more informed decisions, whether or not you proceed with treatment right away.
Sperm DNA fragmentation may be relevant when planning fertility treatment. Depending on your results and wider fertility picture, our doctors may discuss whether IVF, ICSI or further testing could be suitable. Your results will always be reviewed alongside your full medical history and any partner test results.
In some cases, sperm health can improve over time, particularly where lifestyle factors, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol, diet or general health may be contributing. Sperm production takes time, so changes may take a few months to be reflected in results.
Some lifestyle changes may support sperm health and, in some cases, reduce sperm DNA fragmentation. This can include avoiding smoking, reducing binge drinking, avoiding steroid use, limiting heat exposure, eating a balanced diet, supporting a healthy weight and managing stress. Our doctors will guide you on what may be most relevant for your situation.
The sperm DNA fragmentation test is performed by an off-site laboratory, so results may take a little longer than those from a semen analysis. Our team will let you know when to expect your results and will explain them clearly once they are available.
The sample is given in the same way as a semen sample, through masturbation in a private sample room at our clinic. If you book a sperm DNA fragmentation test, a semen analysis is included and performed at the same time.
This test may be recommended if there is unexplained infertility, repeated miscarriage, previous difficulty with fertilisation, or concerns about sperm quality. It is not needed for everyone, but it can be useful when our doctors need a more detailed understanding of sperm health.
If the investigation shows that your sperm has fragmentation and damage within its DNA, our team will discuss all your options with you. This damage may be correctable through lifestyle and dietary changes and the use of supplements. Additionally, there are fertility treatments that have been shown to be of benefit for men with high DNA fragmentation.
While a sperm analysis is still the most commonly used test when it comes to male infertility, research has shown that the results of sperm analysis do not always comprehensively indicate a mans fertility potential. As a result, other ways to determine whether or not the sperm is optimal are needed. Successful embryo development requires, among other things, undamaged DNA from both the egg and sperm and its therefore important to know if there is damaged DNA within the sperm before continuing with any fertility treatment.