The relationship between sperm viability and DNA fragmentation rates

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Sperm Analysis

Background:

• Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and viability are linked to male fertility.
• Elevated SDF (>30%) and poor viability indicate subfertility.
• Sperm viability assays may predict SDF rates, potentially simplifying infertility diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between sperm viability and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) rates.
• To determine if sperm viability testing can predict the need for SDF testing in male infertility evaluations.
• To explore potential cost savings in fertility investigations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a prospectively collected database of semen analyses (2008-2013).
• Measurement of sperm viability using the eosin-nigrosin assay.
• Measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation using the sperm chromosome structure assay.
• Assessment of the relationship using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Main Results:

• A strong inverse correlation (r=-0.83) was observed between sperm viability and SDF rates.
• In 95% of samples, viability ≤50% corresponded to SDF ≥30%.
• In 95% of samples, viability ≥75% corresponded to SDF ≤30%.

Conclusions:

• Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing may not be necessary for men with high (≥75%) or low (≤30%) sperm viability.
• Viability testing can potentially replace routine SDF testing in specific cases.
• This approach offers a cost-effective measure for couples undergoing fertility evaluations.