Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Advanced semen analysis in the form of sperm DNA testing is recommended where a standard semen analysis is deemed to be acceptable but where a couple or individual continues to experience poor results using natural or assisted techniques or if is unable to maintain a pregnancy beyond a few weeks (miscarriage). This type of sperm testing determines if the genetic makeup of the sperm cells is of poor quality. This is very often overlooked by fertility teams using conventional semen analysis.

Understanding sperm cells:

• Determine the numbers of normal looking moving sperm cells in ejaculated semen.
• Transport genetic blue print to the female partner’s body.
• The head carryies the genetics; the mid-piece contains the chemical motor; the tail propels the sperm forward.
• Their sole mission is to swim towards and fuse with an egg cell.
• Contains the genetic blue print and once fertilises an egg, it acts as the factory to build the resulting baby.
• A poor quality sperm may look healthy and may reach the fallopian tubes. 
• The capacity of sperm to fertilise an egg properly is related to its genetic packaging.
• The lower the number of capable sperm cells, the lower the likelihood of fertilisation and normal embryo development.