What is sperm DNA fragmentation?

Sperm DNA fragmentation, or sperm fragmentation, refers to lesions, damage or breaks in the genetic material of the sperm, and is one of the major causes of male infertility. The causes of this DNA fragmentation may be intrinsic, due to imperfect sperm maturation or genetic alterations, or external due to damage induced by chemotherapy, acute and chronic inflammatory disease, among others.

Studying sperm DNA fragmentation hopes to improve the chances of success in IVF treatments. In some cases, the oocyte can repair sperm fragmentation, depending on the type and severity of the lesion and the quality of the oocyte.

Prognosis

Depending on the degree of fragmentation, there are viable treatments, although if the lesion occurs in the two DNA chains, it is very difficult to repair. Furthermore, if the damage is severe, the cell's destruction mechanisms are activated and the sperm will no longer have the ability to fertilise or give rise to a viable embryo.

What are the symptoms of sperm DNA fragmentation?

There are no symptoms since it affects the DNA of the sperm. Diagnostic tests will be carried out if you are finding it difficult to conceive or your partner has recurrent miscarriages.

Which medical tests are used to diagnose sperm DNA fragmentation?

There are tests to detect damages to the sperm’s DNA. One of the most common tests is known as a second-generation sperm DNA test that can detect the DNA damage in sperm and tell how much damage each sperm has. There are others known as TUNEL, SCSA or SpermComet.

What causes sperm DNS fragmentation?

The causes of this DNA fragmentation may be intrinsic or external.

• Intrinsic causes:

This can be due to imperfect sperm maturation or genetic alterations.

• External causes:

Some causes can be external due to damage induced by radiotherapy or chemotherapy, frequent episodes of high fever or acute and chronic inflammatory disease. In addition, diabetes and being overweight can be one of the causes.

Can it be prevented?

Sperm DNA fragmentation cannot always be prevented but there are ways you can help. You should avoid wearing tight clothing when possible and follow a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising regularly and eating a nutritious diet. You should avoid certain medications and smoking and limit your alcohol intake.

Treatments for sperm fragmentation

The treatment can vary depending on certain factors, such as the type of damage, the percentage of sperm affected and the quality of the oocyte. It also depends on the age of the patient. Sometimes, the oocyte can repair the DNA damage of the sperm that has fertilised it.

Part of the treatment can be carried out using oral antioxidants, although the most effective is the selection of sperm using AnnexinV columns before fertility treatment. This technique allows sperm to be separated and those not fragmented can be selected.

Medication for sperm fragmentation

Treatment is usually based on oral antioxidants that can help to eliminate some of the causes of this condition. Usually, after 10 weeks of taking these medications, the lesions are reduced and the potential of the sperm is improved.

What specialist treats sperm DNA fragmentation?

A specialist that treats sperm DNA fragmentation is usually a fertility specialist.