[Sperm DNA fragmentation testing is not provided by ART fertility clinics; this information is for educational purposes only.]
When is Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing recommended?
SDF testing is recommended in particular clinical scenarios including
- varicocelectomy (surgery performed to remove enlarged veins ) candidates
- couples with recurrent pregnancy loss
- patients with unexplained infertility
- couples with failed assisted reproduction
- infertile men with exposure to modifiable lifestyle risk factors
What are the different testing methods of Sperm DNA fragmentation?
SDF tests are generally classified into two groups: direct and indirect. In direct tests, the extent of sperm DNA damage is measured using probes and dyes. However, indirect tests assess the susceptibility of DNA to denaturation which occurs more commonly in fragmented DNA. The most commonly used methods to measure SDF are:
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)
- Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA)
- Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test.
