Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Should we evaluate and treat sperm DNA fragmentation?
Ashok Agarwal1, Chak-Lam Cho, Sandro C Esteves
1aAmerican Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA bDivision of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong cANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Sperm DNA fragmentation testing is crucial for assessing male fertility, impacting natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies. Routine evaluation can improve outcomes for infertile couples by identifying and addressing sperm DNA damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is increasingly recognized as a significant factor affecting male reproductive success.
- Conventional semen parameters do not fully capture the impact of sperm DNA damage on fertility outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical utility of sperm DNA fragmentation tests in light of emerging evidence on its detrimental effects.
- To discuss the association between SDF and various reproductive outcomes, including assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature and clinical studies on sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Analysis of data linking SDF levels to natural conception, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Main Results:
- High SDF is linked to poorer outcomes in natural conception and IUI.
- The association between high SDF and outcomes in IVF/ICSI is less clear, but it correlates with increased early pregnancy loss.
- Several strategies, including antioxidants and specific sperm selection techniques, show promise in mitigating SDF.
Conclusions:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation tests offer valuable information beyond conventional semen analysis for both natural and assisted reproduction.
- Routine assessment of SDF in infertile couples is recommended due to its clinical relevance and the availability of improved treatment strategies.
