Overview
A conventional semen analysis is the first line of investigation for male infertility. However, sperm DNA fragmentation testing is recommended for particular patients. These include those patients with:
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Repeated failure to achieve pregnancy after IVF
- Elevated leucocyte levels in semen
- A history of occupational or other exposure to toxic substances
- Men aged >40 years old
- Male diabetes
IVFAustralia uses the SCSA (sperm chromatin structure assay) test. This is the most useful sperm DNA test available to measure the stability of chromatin and give an estimate of the level of fragmentation (ie DNA damage in the sperm).
Men with high DNA fragmentation can be managed successfully with antioxidants to improve sperm health.