Improving sperm defragmentation

Does anyone have any success stories of improving their husbands DNA sperm fragmentation. Feeling very low and worried. Positive stories/experiences would be very welcomed

[Canadawaterchick]

Yes we had big male factor DNA damage but major improvement in 6 months of diet and lifestyle changes with a whole load of drugs, we fell pregnant at first round of IVF. Get hubby on Proxeed and Impryl ASAP, it’ll work, don’t give up! X

[Hidden in reply to Canadawaterchick]

Thank you so much for this x

[Hidden in reply to Canadawaterchick]

If you don’t mind me asking how much did the DNA fragmentation improve by across 6 months? Did you do a test at the 3 month point or at the 6 month? Apologies for all the questions

[Canadawaterchick in reply to Hidden]

We didn’t have time for a retest but I do know for sure that the measures we took would have improved drastically as our Ivf worked straight after x

[Hidden in reply to Canadawaterchick]

Thank you x

[Kaylon]

Same here. Hubby had high DNA fragmentation mostly caused by a germ called urea plasma which was treated with antibiotics-we did see a urologist which I can highly recommend. We then saw a nutritionist and changed our diet massively. He also took impryl and proxeed and various other supplements and our next round was successful. Good luck x

[Hidden in reply to Kaylon]

Thank you so much. So helpful x

[Celloheggy in reply to Kaylon]

Kaylon, how did they find out about urea plasma? Does that affect sperm production or does it cause damage on ejaculation?? Sorry for all the questions! X

[Kaylon in reply to Celloheggy]

He had blood tests, a semen analysis and a urine test done through the urologist. I think this germ showed via the urine sample. We both had to take antibiotics for it. I think it damages sperm after production while it is in the body. Hubby was told to evacuate frequently. But I'm not too sure how exactly it causes the damage. X

[Celloheggy in reply to Kaylon]

It’s so hard to know what to push for!! We’re under Mr Ramsey and he’s marvellous but hubby hasn’t had any blood or urine tests done. 35% fragmentation. Really good numbers but everything else is awful. We’ve had a comet neutral test and they are certain the damage is on ejaculation, no one has even mentioned that it could be post production but pre ejaculation. And every time you think of a new question you have to pay for yet another consultation!! Good luck x

[Kaylon in reply to Celloheggy]

We saw Dr Ramsey too he did a number of tests for hubby but I don't remember of the top of my hat what they all were. Dr Ramsey also recommended Melanie Brown as a nutritionist and I think she helped us loads too. We both took a ton of supplements and ate specific foods to help against free radicals and provide antioxidants. But you're right, it's so hard to know what to do next because like you say each test, consultation and decision is costly! I found forums and online groups really helpful just to hear and read about possible options or treatments. And occasionally you come across something where you think, hang on a minute, that's a good suggestion. I hope you figure out the next step soon xxx

[Celloheggy in reply to Kaylon]

Yep love Mel! Mel recommended Mr Ramsey. We’ve done all the diets and supplements, spent an absolute fortune, and we’re one of the rare cases where it hasn’t actually improved our statistics! We were very very lucky to have a daughter from our first iCSI cycle, but number two is proving much more difficult. Going to try one last cycle and then I think we’re done. On top of my husbands poor sperm I now have thyroid issues and low amh 🤦🏼‍♀️. Maybe we’ll speak to mr Ramsey one last time?! Thanks for your help x

[Kaylon in reply to Celloheggy]

Oh brilliant so you got the referral the other way round - from Mel to Ramsey

I'm sorry to hear things haven't improved... I was honestly at the same crossroads last year. My AMH didn't look great and we weren't getting blastocysts anymore and I was convinced I'd have to look into donor eggs next. Then we changed clinics and tried a different protocol (long instead of short) and a mix of different meds with the addition of a growth hormone and like a miracle this round got us 3 blastocysts! I would say look into clinics and their approach. Each clinic seems to specialise on something. And sadly male factor is often ignored of not really looked at. We did a load of free mini consultations and just asked lots of questions on how their approach would look like and in the end we had 2 favourites. The clinic we went with had us totally convinced and for once I actually had 100% faith in their approach and ability so could have happily moved onto donor eggs knowing we tried everything first! Our first clinic was very one size fits all and I had 0% faith in them at the end. Xxx

[Lilly12255 in reply to Kaylon]

What is the test to check fragmentation for sperm? Is it expensive?

[Kaylon in reply to Lilly12255]

Hi Lilly, I think the test was literally called fragmentation test. My husband's urologist did the test. I can't fully remember how much it cost but think it was around £300 maybe. X

[Lilly12255 in reply to Kaylon]

So it’s not what they call DNA test? I am confused by the labelling

[Jm82]

My partners was 60% damage, went on proxeed for 3 months along with vit c and selenium and on the re-test 3 months later it had come down to 30%. We decided to wait another 3 months then try a second cycle I'm now 24 weeks after 1st transfer. I know it's really hard when you get the test results but do remember men's issues can be imoroved/fixed, don't give up xx

[Hidden]

Thank you x

[Shirazlover2013]

Hi Tennis, did the doctor determine what was causing the dna fragmentation? The best way to improve results is to treat whatever is going on (if something is found). My husband has had an infection like the others here describe and also he had a varicocele which causes heat which then damages the sperm dna and causes oxidative stress. It can be treated with a short procedure in hospital, my husband has his treated in January this year.

Similar to the others here we’re also under the treatment of that famous urologist and nutritionist combo, they’re very popular!! We started a new supplement and diet regime in March although we’re not so militant about the organic food. Due to coronavirus we haven’t yet had a follow up test to see if there’s any improvement and we need to give our diet some time to take effect, honestly we might just go straight for another IVF round (our 5th) on the presumption results will be better 🤞