In men with low sperm count (below 5 million), the rate of chromosomal anomaly is 1-2% and Y chromosome microdeletion is 7-10%, while in azoospermic men with no sperm in their semen, the rate of chromosomal anomaly is 15-30% and Y chromosome microdeletion is 10%. It is as high as 15. For this reason, it is important to perform genetic examination in men with low sperm count.
What is Sperm DNA Damage?
Sperm analysis is insufficient to show some sperm problems (especially DNA damage). 15% of patients with male infertility have normal sperm analysis findings. There is a strong association between deterioration in the genetic structure of the sperm and infertility.
The DNA structure of the sperm is important for fertilization and obtaining quality embryos. Sperm DNA contains a special tightly packed chromatin network within it. Being tightly packaged does not prevent the transfer of genetic information to the egg and the expression of some genes and the formation of physical and chemical substances necessary for embryo development. Healthy sperm DNA is stable and can transfer its DNA during fertilization.
Causes of Sperm DNA Disorder
- Certain diseases
- Drug use
- High fever
- Increased testicular temperature
- Air pollution
- Smoking
- Advanced age
- Varicocele
As the rate of DNA-damaged sperm increases (> 30-40%), the chance of getting pregnant naturally decreases. Sperm DNA damage is higher in men with infertility problems (25% and 27%) than in those who are not infertile (10% and 13%). The rate of DNA damage is increased in men with low sperm count, motility or normal sperm morphology. In unexplained male infertility, DNA evaluation is an indicator of sperm function. Even in men with normal sperm analysis who cannot have children, abnormal findings may be detected with sperm DNA analysis. In the sperm DNA analysis test, the rate of damaged sperm is expected to be below 15%. Between 15-30% is the intermediate stage; Men with semen containing more than 30% abnormal sperm are considered at risk.
Classically, the contribution of standard sperm analysis to predicting in vitro fertilization success is low. Therefore, an additional sperm parameter is needed to predict in vitro fertilization success. Sperm DNA damage negatively affects embryo quality and reduces pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization. As a result, Sperm DNA damage may be a marker that can predict IVF success.
Who Should Have Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing?
- Unexplained infertility
- Arrest in embryo development Couples with in vitro fertilization
- Those with abnormal embryo development during in vitro fertilization
- Repeated in vitro fertilization failures
- Repeated pregnancy losses
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