Sperm DNA frag­men­ta­tion test (DFI)

What is sperm DNA frag­men­ta­tion?

DNA fragmentation means that the genetic material of the sperm is damaged and broken up. Levels above the scientifically accepted range (15–30%) affect the fertilisation of the egg and the healthy development of the embryo, whether the pregnancy is natural or the result of assisted reproduction.

What can cause sperm DNA frag­men­ta­tion?

An important cause of damage to sperm DNA is oxidative stress. Higher sperm DNA fragmentation is also linked to:

• Infection
• Illness with fever
• Raised temperature of the testes
• Diet
• Drug use
• Smoking
• Exposure to various pollutants
• Older age

How is it diagnosed?

The integrity of sperm DNA can be checked with special tests that reliably analyse the quality of the genetic material. The results help with the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, and also help predict the outcome of assisted reproduction.

Who can benefit from the test?

• Unexplained infertility
• Poor embryo development
• Several unsuccessful IVF/ICSI attempts
• Repeated miscarriages
• Older age
• Varicocele
• Poor semen analysis results
• Exposure to harmful substances

What is the DNA frag­men­ta­tion test?

Our clinic offers a reliable analysis of sperm genetic material based on SCD (sperm chromatin dispersion) technology, which detects how the sperm chromatin disperses. The method can study thousands of sperm at once and produces a colour pattern that separates the cells according to how tightly their chromatin is packed. Sperm with intact DNA show a halo, while sperm with fragmented DNA clearly lack one.

The validity of SCD results has been confirmed by other techniques, such as the TUNEL and SCSA methods.

Treatment and preven­tion

The causes of DNA fragmentation are often hard to identify and treat. In many cases, free radicals are considered a main cause of the damage, because they create oxidative stress that affects DNA quality. In this case, the problem can often be improved by changes in lifestyle and diet.

Where fragmentation is caused by an infection, antibiotic treatment is expected to help reduce it.

Finally, we recommend repeating the test within three months, for a complete assessment of sperm health.