The impact of the male DNA damage on the reproductive effort has been correlated with the difficulty of fertilization and/or the creation of poor quality embryos. The combined assessment:

The DNA molecule is in the form of a coiled double helix that is structurally stabilized by lateral bonds. If the bonds brake, the helix becomes unstable. The structural distortion in the sperm DNA, known as ‘Fragmentation’, is a measurable feature of its functionality that is not reflected in any of the conventional spermatological parameters (motility, concentration, morphology etc.). Men with spermatological parameters within the reference values, may still have a high DNA Fragmentation Index.

According to extensive scientific research, the integrity of the sperm DNA molecule has been associated with the quality and/or viability of embryos, mainly during the early stages of division (4- to 8-cell and more). DNA Fragmentation Index of high value is correlated to the negative outcome of reproductive effort, regardless of the applied fertilization method (normal, IUI, IVF, ICSI), through:

• The reduction of sperm fertility
• The fetal growth inhibition
• Their implantation failure (miscarriage).

The main factors responsible for the high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation are:

• Exposure to chemicals, toxic substances, radiation or high temperature
• Air pollution
• The use of medicines
• Varicocele, testicular cancer, inflammation or high fever
• Increased testicular temperature
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Advanced age of man
• Any process that causes oxidative stress.

The assessment of the sperm DNA Fragmentation Index is mainly recommended in cases of:

• Long-term unexplained infertility
• Low fertilization rates or poor quality embryos in IVF cycles
• Failure of implantation following IVF
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Long-term exposure to agents that are toxic to fertility
• Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
• Advanced age of man

In addition, it provides a complete evaluation of the male fertilization potential during infertility investigation. The test can be particularly useful:

• while monitoring the effectiveness of anti-oxidant schemes in sperm enhancement
• post-operational rehabilitation of varicocele