What is sperm DNA fragmentation and how does it affect fertility?
DNA is a double-helix structure that carries the genetic information of the gamete.
Sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the causes of male infertility. It consists of breaks or damage to the genetic material of the sperm. These breaks can occur in one or both strands.
- Single-strand fragmentation — this type of damage is usually associated with greater difficulty in achieving pregnancy naturally and failed IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycles.
- Double-strand fragmentation — causes implantation failure and a higher miscarriage rate.
We can assess sperm DNA fragmentation by performing a COMET Fertility test.
What is the COMET Fertility test?
It is a technique that analyses the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation, distinguishing between two types of breaks in the sperm DNA: single-strand and double-strand.
Single-strand breaks are linked to the state of male infertility, while double-strand breaks are associated with a higher risk of miscarriage contributed by the male gamete and abnormalities in embryonic development.
Can the quality of a sperm sample with DNA fragmentation be improved?
In these cases we recommend improving lifestyle habits, quitting smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and taking a dietary supplement tailored to the individual case — usually containing antioxidant components and vitamins C and E to reduce oxidative stress.
Can sperm without DNA fragmentation be selected?
Yes — in the Love Fertility laboratory we use Fertile Chip, a sperm selection system that significantly reduces the risk of implantation failure and miscarriage, improving live birth rates.
When is the COMET Fertility test recommended?
The COMET Fertility test is recommended in the following situations:
- Unexplained (idiopathic) infertility associated with implantation failure.
- Advanced paternal age.
- Previous implantation failures.
- Patients who have experienced recurrent miscarriages.
- Embryos that do not reach the blastocyst stage (extended culture of 5–6 days of development).
- Poor-quality embryos.
