Prague Med. Rep. 2023, 124, 166-171

https://doi.org/10.14712/23362936.2023.12

Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index in Abortion or in Vitro Fertilization Failure in Presence of Normal Semen Analysis

Hamed Akhavizadegan1, Nazila Yamini2, Amir Masoud Musavi3, Maryam Moradi2, Farnaz Khatami3

1Department of Urology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2Arash Infertility Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Received April 18, 2021
Accepted April 24, 2023

Role of male factor in recurrent abortion and in vitro fertilization failure has not been fully defined yet and there is much controversy about evaluating male patients with normal semen analysis. One of the factors that might help establish the male role is DNA fragmentation index. However, strong correlation between this factor and quality of semen, has caused many clinicians to believe that it does not help in abortion and implantation failure. We aim to assess this factor in our patients. In a prospective observational study, we assessed age, duration of infertility, undesired fertility related events (assisted reproductive techniques attempts and abortions), semen parameters and DNA fragmentation index in patients with multiple abortions or in vitro fertilization failures and analysed the results by statistical software SPSS version 24. DNA fragmentation index was remarkably correlated with age, duration of infertility and semen parameters. Among all groups in our study, patients with abnormal semen analysis had statistically significant higher level of DNA fragmentation. Ten percent of patients with normal or slightly abnormal semen analysis had abnormally high SDFI (sperm DNA fragmentation index). Checking DNA fragmentation index is recommended in all couples with fertilization problems even in the presence of normal semen analysis. It might be more reasonable to assess it in aged men, long duration of infertility or candidates with remarkable semen abnormality.

References

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