Male infertility is just as important as female infertility because in about half of infertility cases, the man is responsible. A man who has fertility issues can be having challenges caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors may also contribute to male infertility.
One of the main factors affecting male fertility is known as DNA fragmentation, which may be so pronounced that it is often responsible for DNA damage to sperm cells of many infertile males that have abnormal sperm parameters.
A couple may need to be checked for abnormal DNA fragmentation levels if they are seeking help for infertility. This is also applicable if they have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more, and have, on average, over twice as many sperm with DNA fragmentation as the typical fertile couple.
Additionally, men with moderate to high levels of DNA fragmentation are more likely to be partners in infertile or miscarriage-prone relationships. But you might wonder what sperm DNA fragmentation is, how it occurs, how it relates to other semen metrics, and how it impacts male fertility.
Your sperm’s genetic condition is crucial. Its main purpose is to join genetic material (DNA) from the father with the mother’s egg’s genetic material to produce the baby’s unique genetic code. The genetic integrity of sperm is an important factor in fertility since DNA contains all the instructions for an embryo’s development. Any sperm DNA damage may prevent the sperm from properly fertilising an egg or from growing into a strong, healthy embryo. The problem with sperm DNA fragmentation is precisely this.
It’s interesting to note that sperm DNA fragmentation is evaluated less frequently and is generally less understood than other sperm quality indicators including sperm count, motility, and morphology. But as the link between sperm DNA fragmentation and birth rates is better established, it is becoming clearer that one of the most crucial elements of male fertility is sperm genetic integrity.
The well-being of the genetic material in your sperm is crucial for successful fertilisation and good embryo development. Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to abnormal genetic material that can cause male infertility, IVF failure, and miscarriage.
Healthy DNA is characterised by a spiralling double-helix structure held together by cross-bonds that together resemble a ladder. However, the entire genetic ladder becomes unstable if one of the DNA’s ‘rungs’ breaks or becomes unstable. This causes sperm fragmentation, which can result in chromosomal abnormalities and birth problems.
DNA fragmentation is connected to recurrent pregnancy loss (two or more unsuccessful pregnancies), in addition to being directly correlated to reduced male fertility. Chromosomes are the structures used to package the DNA. The majority of human body cells have 46 chromosomes, whereas sex cells (eggs and sperm) only have 23. They come together to form a zygote with the right number of chromosomes.
Although you might not be aware of it, DNA damage is fairly prevalent in the human body. Fortunately, most cells are able to detect and repair damage to their own genetic material. Mature sperm lacks the capacity to repair their own DNA, unlike immature sperms which are still developing.
Eggs on their part, contain mechanisms built into them that, after fertilisation, can correct mistakes in the sperm DNA. However, damage can persist beyond the embryonic stage if it is too severe or if the egg is less able to make the necessary repairs, possibly as a result of ageing. The outcome can be the failure of the embryo.
The percentage of sperm containing fragmented DNA in a certain semen sample is the DNA fragmentation index or DFI. A greater DFI indicates that more of a man’s sperm has genetic damage than a lower DFI. A DFI exceeding 30 to 50 per cent is typically regarded as high and may affect fertility.
Even if you have a DFI of 15–30 per cent, you may occasionally experience sub-fertility, particularly if other abnormal semen parameters such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology are present or your female partner is older, as older eggs are less able to repair the damaged DNA within sperm.
High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation increase your risk of having other aberrant semen characteristics, like low sperm count, concentration, motility, and shape, all associated with DNA damage. High amounts of sperm DNA fragmentation are likely caused by the same underlying conditions that contribute to aberrant semen parameters, such as advanced paternal age, smoking, or toxin exposure. These measures may also be connected by other means or relationships.
Infertility is more likely for you if your sperm DNA fragments frequently, but conception is still feasible for you and you can have a full-term pregnancy with your spouse or partner. Although the link between sperm DNA fragmentation and recurrent pregnancy loss is not totally evident, the two problems are associated.
It is common knowledge that sperm fragmentation causes problems, such as miscarriage and infertility. It seems to make sense that you should take actions that can lessen the impact of DNA fragmentation rather than waiting for a conclusive test. In addition to tests, reduce or stop behaviour like drinking, smoking, and being exposed to poisons and pollution. Sperm DNA fragmentation is curable with lifestyle modifications.
