Advanced semen analysis with DNA fragmentation
When a couple is facing challenges with infertility, one of the first and most fundamental steps for a male patient is often a spermiogram, or semen analysis. This simple and non-invasive test provides incredibly valuable insights into male fertility.
We offer comprehensive services to assess sperm health
- Basic Semen Analysis: This foundational test helps us understand key aspects of sperm. We carefully examine the count (how many sperm are present), their shape (morphology), and their motility (how well they move). A sperm culture is also performed to check if any underlying infection in the semen might be negatively impacting fertility.
- Advanced Semen Analysis: There is growing evidence to support a link between oxidative stress and male infertility.
It is the underlying cause of sperm DNA damage and impairs semen parameters and fertilisation, adversely affects embryo development and is associated with reduced pregnancy rates. It may also increase the risk of miscarriage. High levels of ROS may be reduced by considering varicocele repair, treatment of underlying infections or inflammation, changes in lifestyle or with antioxidant supplements.
We offer comprehensive services to assess sperm health
- Basic Semen Analysis: This foundational test helps us understand key aspects of sperm. We carefully examine the count (how many sperm are present), their shape (morphology), and their motility (how well they move). A sperm culture is also performed to check if any underlying infection in the semen might be negatively impacting fertility.
- Advanced Semen Analysis: There is growing evidence to support a link between oxidative stress and male infertility.
It is the underlying cause of sperm DNA damage and impairs semen parameters and fertilisation, adversely affects embryo development and is associated with reduced pregnancy rates. It may also increase the risk of miscarriage. High levels of ROS may be reduced by considering varicocele repair, treatment of underlying infections or inflammation, changes in lifestyle or with antioxidant supplements.
We provide a comprehensive assessment of oxidative stress by combined measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox Potential.
MIOXSYS Electrochemical Assay for Redox Potential
Oxidative stress may be determined by an electrochemical assay, which measures the redox potential in semen. This test measures the overall difference between total oxidants and antioxidants in the system.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation): High sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is associated with reduced natural pregnancy rates and assisted conception pregnancy rates, as well as live birth rates. Sperm DNA fragmentation also leads to higher miscarriage rates, as published in the ESHRE Recurrent Pregnancy Loss 2017 Guideline. High levels of DNA fragmentation may be reduced by considering varicocele repair, treatment of underlying infections or inflammation, changes in lifestyle, or antioxidant supplements.
Sperm DNA can be damaged when sperm are being made in the testes or as they mature before ejaculation. This damage breaks the DNA into fragments, so sperm DNA tests are also known as sperm DNA fragmentation tests. Men with high levels of sperm DNA damage are less likely to get their partner pregnant and have an increased risk of miscarriage. Even if semen analysis results are ‘normal’, the sperm DNA could be damaged and therefore of poor quality.
The Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) Test: This is one technique we use to assess sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). It works by treating sperm in a way that allows us to visualise their DNA. Sperm with healthy, intact DNA will form distinctive “halos” of dispersed chromatin, while sperm with fragmented DNA will show small or no halos. This test is straightforward, efficient, and widely used in fertility evaluations. The test requires a minimum sperm count of approximately 100,000/ml.
The COMET Assay: Another method for detecting DNA damage in sperm is the COMET assay. In this sensitive test, sperm cells are carefully prepared and then gently subjected to an electrical field. If the DNA is fragmented, it will migrate, forming a luminous “comet tail.” The length and brightness of this tail provide detailed quantitative and qualitative information about the degree of DNA integrity. This test is particularly used for;
- couples struggling to achieve pregnancy (idiopathic infertility), especially where a semen analysis was ‘normal’, or where there have been repeated failed IVF cycles.
- couples struggling to keep the pregnancy / suffering multiple recurrent pregnancy loss, especially if multiple early losses <14 weeks, and female aged mid-thirties and above.
It has the advantage of requiring only 5000 sperm so it can be used for men with low sperm counts and for surgically retrieved sperm samples. There are 4 types of COMET tests available at different costs.
Receiving Your Results and Next Steps:
Depending on the specific tests performed, you can expect to receive your results within 7-14 working days. Once your results are ready, our fertility expert will review them with you. During this discussion, we’ll explain your results thoroughly and explore any possible treatment options if required.