Role Of Sperm DNA: An Ultimate Guide To Male Infertility

Did you know that the "male factor" accounts for roughly 50% of all infertility cases in couples?¹ Experts frequently advise infertile men to undergo “semen analysis.” However, studies show that about 15% of them have normal sperm analysis results. This statement implies that sperm analysis may not cover all of the criteria that could help understand every possible cause of male infertility.¹ In this blog, we'll look at the role of sperm DNA that may help people understand the root cause of male infertility.

Before diving a little deeper into the topic, let’s discuss some basics first. 

What Is Sperm DNA?

DNA is an abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, which provides the “genetic material” for nearly all organisms, including humans, to reproduce (have children) and replicate.² In humans, however, DNA is transferred from parent to offspring (children) via sperm, a mobile (able to move on its own) male reproductive cell.³ 

Now that we’ve learned about what sperm DNA is, let’s take a look at its significance specifically with respect to male infertility.

Role Of Sperm DNA 

The DNA of sperm is crucial in determining male infertility as damage to the DNA carried by sperm, or sperm DNA, may influence conception outcomes as well as the health of the baby because a child inherits it from both parents.⁴

Furthermore, sperm fragmentation is a type of sperm DNA damage, the cause of which is multifactorial. Some of the factors discussed here include-⁴

i. Abnormal chromatin (a mix of DNA and other proteins that further develops into chromosome) packaging, developed at the spermatogenesis phase

ii. Reduced antioxidant content in seminal fluid

iii. External variables inclusive of:⁴

• Drug abuse
• Pollution
• Smoking
• High testicular temperature
• Varicocele (a twisted or inflamed vein in the scrotum) 
• Advancing age

So far, we've discussed sperm DNA and its role in male infertility. Now, let's look at  sperm DNA fragmentation in depth.

Understanding Sperm DNA Fragmentation

DNA fragmentation occurs when the sperm's DNA is broken down in smaller bits. It is one of the most common types of sperm DNA damage. Additionally,  sperm DNA fragmentation has been linked to various negative outcomes. These include low fertility rates, poor quality sperm, lower success rates in assisted reproduction procedures (such as IVF), and hindered embryonic development (post-conception).⁵

If you wish to take a look at the impacts of sperm DNA fragmentation in detail, you can learn all about it in our blog: Sperm DNA Fragmentation At A Glance. 

Impact Of Sperm DNA Fragmentation

1. On Embryo Quality

An embryo is the initial stage of development, which starts early on after fertilization (conception) and remains until about the 7^th or 8^th week of pregnancy.⁶ Embryo quality plays a significant role in achieving a successful pregnancy. The presence of high sperm DNA fragmentation often leads to failed attempts at fertilization, as observed in vitro.⁷ Moreover, if a sperm with damaged DNA manages to fertilize the egg, the risk of poor embryo quality essentially increases.⁷

2. On Pregnancy

A study conducted on couples who recently experienced miscarriage observed a correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation and failed pregnancies. According to the research, the male partners had high levels of oxidative stress, which is known to cause male infertility, in their sperm. ^8,9 Additionally, these men also had high traces of sperm DNA fragmentation.⁹

3. On Offspring

Research suggests that children of fathers with high sperm DNA fragmentation, or loss of sperm DNA integrity, may develop cancer-causing DNA mutations, such as retinoblastoma (eye cancer).¹⁰

In a separate study, it was found that increasing paternal age, which could potentially induce sperm DNA fragmentation, can affect newborns, potentially leading to genetic, behavioral, and birth disorders in children. 

Additionally,  the children of fathers with high sperm DNA fragmentation, could also develop following:¹¹

• Cleft palate- A common birth deformity, in which the tissues that make the roof of mouth doesn’t join together¹²
• Schizophrenia- A psychological disorder which makes an individual to perceive reality differently and hinders their ability to think, feel, behave, etc.¹³
• Heart-related malfunctions
• Autism- A developmental disability¹⁴
• Epilepsy- A disorder which causes brain to have recurring seizures¹⁵

So far, we hope that you have understood the role of sperm DNA in male infertility and how it can also impact other aspects of fertility. By taking appropriate measures at the right time, individuals can avoid male infertility and failed conception.

LifeCell’s SpermVault To Your Rescue!

As sperm DNA fragmentation occurs at the molecular level, a simple semen analysis is not insufficient to determine its presence. This is why a more comprehensive test is needed to provide thorough assessments. LifeCell's SpermScore at-home semen analysis test kit can be helpful here. With its evaluation of 10 sperm parameters and 14 sperm conditions, it provides valuable insights into your sperm health.

Though if you are considering preserving your sperm for future use, LifeCell's SpermVault could be a great option for you. It not only checks for 14 sperm conditions and 10 sperm parameters but also includes an additional DNA fragmentation analysis. That helps you in getting a deeper understanding of your sperm health.  Furthermore, after these assessments are done, your sperm is preserved until you are ready to embark on your parenthood journey!

Final Note!

Male infertility caused by  sperm DNA fragmentation  can affect individuals of any age or background. It is crucial for men to understand the role of sperm DNA in relation to their fertility, and we are here to assist you with that. Whether you are curious about the health of your sperm's DNA or interested in exploring options for delayed parenthood through sperm preservation, LifeCell's SpermScore and SpermVault can cater to all your queries and fulfill your every sperm-health related need!

Want to know more about sperm DNA fragmentation? Simply call us at 1800 266 5533!