The sperm is necessary to carry DNA from the male to the female egg, allow fusion of the sperm with the egg and even provide the raw materials needed for the embryo to grow.

It is thought that some couples with unexplained infertility may have problems with their sperm DNA. So while a semen analysis will reveal basic problems, like not having enough sperm, the quality of the sperm can only be assessed by doing a Sperm DNA Test to investigate its’ DNA.

At Footsteps to  Fertility Centre, we are pleased to offer our patients the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test for male infertility problems.

Feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to walk with you through your journey.

Sperm DNA contributes half of the offspring’s genetic material. If the DNA is abnormal in some way such as fragmented DNA, it may cause a breakdown in the reproductive process and therefore lower the chance of a healthy baby.

The DNA in sperm is protected from damage by wrapping itself tightly around proteins inside the sperm head. During the maturation of sperm in the male reproductive tract, sperm gradually loses its ability to fix damaged DNA. There is some suggestion that when the DNA is “packaged” correctly, the sperm may be more susceptible to the effect of harmful molecules called “free radicals”.

In addition, there are other factors that may result in an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA damage. Among them, the most common are obesity, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol intake, chewing of khat ( miraa ),  genital tract infection, testicular cancer,  increased testicular temperature, exposure to pesticides, and air pollution.