Featuring Gregory Hills/Bowral fertility specialist, A/Prof David Greening
While fertility conversations often focus on women, male fertility plays an equally significant role in a couple’s ability to conceive. At City Fertility, we recognise that fertility is a shared journey between both partners.
A/Prof David Greening is committed to raising awareness about male reproductive health, particularly the importance of understanding sperm DNA fragmentation, an advanced test that offers deeper insight into sperm quality and overall fertility potential.
Why Sperm DNA Matters?
When it comes to conception, a sperm’s core job is to deliver its vital genetic material to the egg – A/Prof David Greening often describe it as a tiny taxi carrying a very precious passenger: the DNA.
Most men begin their fertility assessment with a standard semen analysis. This is an important test, but it only assesses the taxi “Sperm” itself. It measures:
- how many are present,
- how well they swim, and
- what they look like.
These results are useful, but they don’t tell us anything about the condition of the passenger “the DNA” inside the sperm.
That’s where DNA fragmentation testing becomes essential.
What Is Sperm DNA Fragmentation?
DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage in the genetic material inside sperm cells. Even sperm that look completely normal under a microscope may carry faulty DNA, which can impact embryo health and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.
High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation have been linked to:
- Lower fertilisation rate
- Poor embryo development
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Unexplained infertility
A normal semen analysis doesn’t rule out DNA issues. This is why at City Fertility, we frequently recommend DNA fragmentation testing, it’s a simple additional step that can reveal crucial information about male fertility.
How Is Sperm DNA Fragmentation Tested?
An example of the HaloSperm test. Sperm with healthy, intact DNA form a visible “halo” around the head, while sperm with fragmented DNA do not.
At City Fertility, we use a HaloSperm test to assess integrity of the DNA inside the sperm head.
This test involves staining the sperm and can distinguish between sperm with Halos indicating that they contain undamaged DNA; from sperm without Halos indicating that they contain fragmented DNA.
So, what do the results mean?
Having increased numbers of sperm that contain fragmented DNA can lead to a reduction in fertilisation rates, poor embryo development, reduced implantation and increased miscarriage rates. As such, your Fertility Specialist will consider this information when discussing treatment options with you.
What Causes Sperm DNA Damage?
Sperm DNA can be damaged by a range of factors, many of which are lifestyle related. Common causes include:
- Smoking, vaping or recreational drug use
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Chronic stress and poor diet
- Heat exposure (hot spas, saunas, tight clothing)
- Environmental toxins such as pesticides, chemicals and pollution
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Infrequent ejaculation
The encouraging news is that sperm regenerate every two to three months. This means that with the right changes, men can significantly improve their sperm health and DNA quality in a relatively short time.
Seeking Expert Support?
At City Fertility we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to fertility. Understanding sperm health, including DNA quality allows couples to make informed decisions, address potential issues early, and improve their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
If you have been trying to conceive without success, or if you have experienced multiple IVF cycles or miscarriages, a DNA fragmentation test may provide valuable insight.
Our team of fertility specialists can provide personalised assessments, lifestyle guidance, and advanced testing to support your fertility goals. Book an appointment today.
