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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

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Published on: March 28, 2025
Sperm DNA fragmentation and infertility: a narrative review
Imad Ziouziou1,2, Amarnath Rambhatla2,3, Rupin Shah3,4
1Department of Urology, Souss Massa University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) negatively impacts natural and assisted pregnancy outcomes. Testing SDF is crucial for evaluating male infertility, especially in cases of varicocele, unexplained infertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
- Infertility Management
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is an emerging factor in male infertility.
- Understanding SDF's impact on reproductive success is critical for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a practical understanding of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).
- To review the role of SDF in the management of male infertility.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) published between April 2018 and April 2023.
- Searches were conducted on PubMed, supplemented by major society guidelines.
- Three clinical cases were presented and discussed.
Main Results:
- The review analyzed 13 relevant SRMAs.
- SDF negatively affects assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes and recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Factors influencing SDF include varicocele, lifestyle, and environmental health.
Conclusions:
- Increased SDF is linked to poorer natural and ART pregnancy outcomes.
- SDF testing is recommended for specific male infertility cases (varicocele, unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, prior ART failure).
- Further research is needed on SDF testing implications and ART implementation.
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