Sperm DNA Fragmentation & Miscarriage

In couples who experience recurrent miscarriage, sperm DNA fragmentation testing can identify genetic abnormalities that may contribute to the problem.

While semen analysis measures the amount, movement, shape of sperm, it does not reveal genetic abnormalities. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing examines the genetic components of sperm to determine whether or not there is fragmentation (damage). Sperm DNA fragmentation has been linked to recurrent pregnancy loss.

THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION ON PREGNANCY

• Difficulty conceiving or failure to conceive
• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Abnormal embryo development
• Higher rate of pregnancy loss after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

CAUSES OF SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION

Oxidative stress is a major cause of sperm DNA fragmentation and can cause defects in sperm chromatin packing or DNA repair mechanisms. There are numerous factors that contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation including:

• Infection
• Elevated testicular temperature due to fever or prolonged and excessive heat exposure
• Stress
• Prescription medications and illicit drug use
• Smoking
• Industrial pollution
• Chemicals (particularly those linked to paternal occupation)
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Varicocele
• Cancer & cancer treatment
• Advanced paternal age

DIAGNOSING SPERM FRAGMENTATION DNA

A semen sample is needed to test for sperm DNA fragmentation. There are a number of test methods including:

• Halosperm kit
• Tunel assay
• Comet assay
• Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay

TREATING SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION ASSOCIATED WITH RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE

Treatment of the DNA damage is determined by the cause. Lifestyle adjustments including smoking cessation, avoiding drug use, protecting the testes from heat and dietary improvements including adding foods rich in antioxidants may be beneficial in reducing sperm DNA fragmentation.

Infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy, and varicocele repair is recommended.

ICSI may improve conception rates since the sperm can be injected directly into the egg.

Contact your local URA clinic in Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken, and Wayne, NJ for more information. Your friendly URA team will be happy to administer sperm DNA fragmentation tests and provide treatment options.