Sperm DNA fragmentation test

The term sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks in the genetic material contained in the sperm head. There are two types of fragmentation: single strand breaks and double strand breaks, depending on whether one or both strands of DNA are affected.

If the proportion of fragmented DNA in the sperm is very high, this can have repercussions on male fertility. The integrity of sperm DNA is very important for proper embryonic development after fertilisation.

Implications of sperm DNA fragmentation for male fertility:

Lower fertilisation rate

Poorer embryo quality

Lower embryo implantation rate

Higher miscarriage rate

Sperm fragmentation testing is, therefore, a complementary technique to conventional sperm analysis, which gives us more diagnostic information about the fertile potential of the male partner.

There are many techniques to evaluate sperm fragmentation. At our facility, we use a combined flow cytometry staining protocol, which automatically detects DNA breaks.

Suitable for:

Sterility of unknown origin

Repeat implantation failure

Poor embryo quality

Varicocele

Repeat miscarriage

Men over 45 years old

Male smokers

Seminogram with altered result

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Ángeles Bretón

CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGIST

Dr. Carlos Javier Vega Reina

GYNAECOLOGIST

Dr. María Miró

IMMUNOLOGIST

Dr. María Eugenia Molina

HEMATOLOGIST

Elena Mantrana Bermejo

Gynecologist. Specialist in Reproductive Medicine

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville.
  • Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
  • Specialist Physician of the Andalusian Health Service in the South Health Management Area (AGSS) of Seville.
  • Coordinator of the Assisted Human Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Member of the Human Reproduction Advisory Committee of AGSS of Seville.
  • Member of the working group for the update of the Guide for Assisted Human Reproduction of the Ministry of Health of the Andalusian Regional Government.
  • Tutor of Specialist Doctors in Training of the Teaching Area of the University Hospital of Valme.
  • Clinical Tutor Medical Students University of Seville

Alberto Armijo

Gynecologist. Reproductive Medicine Specialist