![]() ![]() ![]() It is suggested that SDF testing should be considered in couples who have failed recurrent IVF cycles, especially when there is not a significant concern about female factors or eggs. There are also studies suggesting that high levels of SDF may be associated with pregnancy losses after IUI or IVF, so these couples may elect to have SDF testing. There has also been data correlating increased levels of SDF in couples with unexplained infertility and couples who have had recurrent pregnancy losses (miscarriages). Therefore, at Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, SDF testing is offered for subfertile men with varicoceles. ![]() Multiple studies have shown that surgically repairing varicoceles can reduce SDF and improve pregnancy rates. A number of research studies have associated varicoceles (which are found in 40% of men with infertility) with higher levels of SDF. At Westlake IVF’s andrology laboratory, we are able to evaluate the extent of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) by testing to see what percent of a man’s sperm cells have damaged DNA, which may impact fertility by hindering fertilization, early embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, and maintenance of pregnancy.įactors that can increase the level of SDF include: environmental toxins, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drugs, cigarette smoking, high fevers, and varicoceles (abnormally dilated veins around the testicle). Although the semen analysis is the basic laboratory evaluation, it is being found to be a relatively crude assessment of a man’s fertility. The standard evaluation of the male partner includes a semen analysis which assesses the sperm count, motility (percent moving), forward progression (percent swimming in a linear, rapid, directional manner), and morphology (percentage of sperm cells with normal shapes). As male factor contributes to 60% of couples struggling with infertility, we have been striving for better ways to evaluate the subfertile male. ![]()
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