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What is Sperm DNA Fragmentation?
Sperm DNA fragmentation, in simple terms, is the occurrence of abnormal genetic material within the sperm cells. The health of the genetic material present inside a sperm cell is of utmost importance during fertilisation. If the genetic material within the sperm cells is damaged, healthy fertilisation cannot occur. Since a regular Semen Analysis test cannot determine the condition of the genetic material at the molecular level, a Sperm DNA fragmentation test is required to check for male fertility. Some of the most common sperm DNA fragmentation tests are the COMET assay, the TUNEL assay, the Sperm chromatin dispersion test, and the Sperm chromatin structure analysis.Â
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Sperm DNA Fragmentation used for?
The Sperm DNA fragmentation test is used for checking the level of fertility in males. It is usually coupled with a semen analysis test so that several factors like sperm motility, sperm count, sperm volume, and DNA fragmentation can be analysed together to provide the patient with a comprehensive report. It is a painless and non-invasive test.
2. How to understand the test results of the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test?
If you want to know how to understand the test results of Sperm DNA fragmentation, then you need to look for the fragmentation percentage. A fragmentation percentage of 15 or less means your sperm DNA is in good condition. On the other hand, 15-25% means your sperm DNA is somewhat fragmented, and beyond 40%, fragmentation is a cause of concern.
3. Why do I need Sperm DNA Fragmentation?
If you are a sub-fertile or infertile male, sperm DNA fragmentation could help you understand how successful you will be in assisted reproduction like in-vitro-fertilisation. However, even if you aren’t sub-fertile or infertile, it is important to check for sperm DNA fragmentation at least once to know your level of fertility.Â
4. What happens during Sperm DNA Fragmentation?
In sperm DNA fragmentation, there is either a change or deletion of genetic material in the strands of DNA present inside your sperm cells. This may lead to you becoming sub-fertile or infertile. In a sperm DNA fragmentation test, you need to provide a semen sample so that the doctor can analyse it for fragmentation.
5. Is the sperm DNA fragmentation test necessary?
A sperm DNA fragmentation test may not be necessary for a healthy male with active reproductive health. It is usually men who are at higher risk of developing sub-fertility or infertility that need to undergo this test. However, there are no side effects to this painless procedure, and it is therefore recommended for all males.
6. Can you improve sperm DNA fragmentation?
Based on recent research, Vitamins C and E have been highly effective in reducing the level of fragmentation in your sperm DNA. Apart from these vitamins, you can also consume minerals like zinc and selenium in their dietary forms. However, there is still no pharmacological treatment with promising results to ensure reduced DNA fragmentation in males.
7. Is DNA fragmentation genetic?
The topic of Sperm DNA Fragmentation and the phenomenon itself is relatively new in genetics and reproductive health. Hence, there is no recorded evidence of DNA fragmentation being passed down through the generations. Another reason why this could not be genetically passed down is because most men with sperm DNA fragmentation end up infertile.Â
8. Is the sperm DNA fragmentation test necessary?
If you already have a child (or many children), it is highly unlikely that you have sperm DNA fragmentation. However, for men looking towards fatherhood, it is necessary to get a sperm DNA fragmentation test done to understand their level of fertility. Nevertheless, it is not a compulsory diagnostic test that can impact overall health.
9. What causes DNA damage in sperm?
The leading cause of DNA damage in sperm cells is oxidative stress from free radicals. These free radicals break down the molecules within a sperm cell, affecting the DNA structure negatively, hence either changing or deleting certain DNA strands within the sperm cell. This can be prevented by adding antioxidant foods to your daily diet.
10. Is sperm DNA fragmentation common?
According to recent studies, 40% of men over the age of 50 years have been found to have sperm DNA fragmentation. Moreover, the same studies have confirmed that only 30% of the embryos created by fertilisation with the sperm of these men were normal and healthy. Therefore, you can book an appointment or even opt for a free second opinion to know more about your reproductive health.
Book an appointment or Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.
References:
- https://www.reproductivehealthgroup.co.uk/fertility-treatments/assessments/men/dna-fragmentation/
- https://www.uranj.com/blog/sperm-dna-fragmentation-testing#:~:text=TYPES%20OF%20SPERM%20DNA%20FRAGMENTATION%20TESTS&text=TUNEL%20assay,SCSA%20%E2%80%93%20sperm%20chromatin%20structure%20analysis
- https://www.uranj.com/blog/sperm-dna-fragmentation-testing#:~:text=DNA%20FRAGMENTATION%20TEST%20RESULTS&text=15%25%20or%20less%20fragmentation%20%E2%80%93%20excellent,extremely%20poor%20sperm%20DNA%20integrity
- https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/48736
- https://www.givelegacy.com/sperm-dna-fragmentation/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125150/#:~:text=Among%20these%2C%20vitamin%20C%20and,high%20levels%20of%20oxidative%20damage.
- https://examenlab.com/for-men/improving-your-sperm-dna/#:~:text=Oxidative%20stress%20produces%20free%20radicals,drinking%2C%20smoking%20or%20heat).
- https://www.givelegacy.com/sperm-dna-fragmentation/#:~:text=For%20men%20over%2050%2C%20sperm,their%20sperm%20were%20genetically%20normal.
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