DNA Fragmentation

is a type of male fertility test that measures the amount of damaged DNA in a sperm sample. DNA is considered damaged when the strands or chains are broken. All men have some amount of damage to their sperm DNA. However, high percentages of damage may indicate greater difficulty achieving and maintaining pregnancy.

Sperm chromatin is the most compact form of DNA, and even with protection, it is vulnerable to damage during the journey that begins with sperm production in the testicle and extends throughout the epididymis and vas deferens before ejaculation. Some studies show sperm DNA damage, or fragmentation is associated with reduced fertility in men. Extensive DNA fragmentation is associated with infertility and miscarriage and may make both natural conception or conception with IUI more difficult.

What causes DNA fragmentation?

The main cause of DNA fragmentation is oxidative stress, which can be caused by:

• Infection
• High testicular temperature
• Stress
• Unhealthy diet
• Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption
• Genetic factors
• Environmental pollution etc.

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.

How to prevent DNA fragmentation?

Abstinence Period: Studies suggest that a one-day abstinence period before sperm collection significantly decrease DNA fragmentation as sperm only spends a short stay in epididymis. The longer the sperm is stored in epididymis, the more likely protein in DNA will degenerate and lead to fragmentation. However, comparing the samples collected after a one-day and five-day abstinence period, it is found that the number of immature sperms is high. These sperms can produce ROS to eliminate mature sperms.

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

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.

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.