Sperm DNA Fragmentation test

[Tilly8135]

Hello, has anyone had this test done and what doesn’t it show? We’ve had 3 failed icsi attempts and wondering if this test is worth having done before further treatment, what will it tell me? Thank you

[leo1980]

Hello! For us it told us the % of DNA fragmentation. Eg my husband has 32% DNA fragmentation which meant there was still 68% in non fragmentation sperm. At the end of the report it sort of tells you if you are a candidate for IVF and the kind of treatment eg IMSI etc

It was about £250 for the test which our Dr interpreted for us. All in all it was worth it as we couldn’t just do the same thing and expect a different result and as you know IVF is getting the right formulae so this was just another step in the process.

Hope it helps!

[2020F]

We found the test useful to identify our next steps following our unexplained infertility diagnosis. In my view it just helps to eliminate or focus your consultant so they can help identify the treatment you might need. After the DF test- my hubby had a high percentage of dna fragmentation - we were referred to a urologist who performed more targeted tests and got to the bottom of my husbands issue. We are now waiting for next round and hoping all the tests and treatment will pay off.

Good luck deciding and with your journey

Xx

[Emanab in reply to 2020F]

Hi can you explain pls what your doctor suggest for DF our doctor only recommend losing weight and healthy lifestyle also Antioxidants Food

[2020F in reply to Emanab]

Hi Emanab

The urologist recommended my husband taking Proxeed Plus for 3 months, no alcohol or fatty foods etc and avoiding heat and tight clothing around his genital area. Also exercise but nothing that interfered with that area so no cycling.

Somebody below has mentioned watching Dr Jonathan Ramsey’s videos on male fertility on YouTube I would also recommend this as well as Dr Tet Yap (he is who we saw and he was great)

Did your doctor do any tests to see if there was any other source of the DF?

If they didn’t worth asking why to just understand their reasoning. My experience with all of this is there is always a reason and it’s worth trying to find out what it is so you know your options. It paid of for us!

Wishing you all the best on your journey xx

[Emanab in reply to 2020F]

Hi 2020F thank you so much for you explain Our doctor doesn’t explain way is there DF and what is the Cause of this problem

[ChloeDE]

We didn't do DNA fragmentation testing but my partner's sperm quality isn't great. On the advice of the clinic, we used MACS which helps to choose the best quality sperm. I think it cost around €300 and we saved on the additional testing.

[Tilly8135 in reply to ChloeDE]

Hi Chloe, what is MACS? I’ve not heard of this before? Thank you

[ChloeDE]

Here is some information on it: safefertilitycenter.com/our...

[miracleneeded]

Hey. I’d definitely recommend it. If you check our Dr Ramsay’s website he gives a really good lecture on the importance of male factor infertility, the different tests you can have and their merits. We did four rounds of ICSI before having the test and ended up having sperm taken directly from the testicles for round 5 and I’m 5 weeks pregnant with 2 more in the freezer!

[MamaWeez in reply to miracleneeded]

Hello Miracleneeded! congratulations, I am so happy that it has worked out for you. Wishing you beautiful 9 months ahead.

We share the same story. We have had two IVF rounds, 14 embryos, 5 transfers and no baby. We later found out that we have 45% Dna Fragmentation. This time, we have decided to retrieve the sperms as well and I am waiting for my transfer on Thursday. Hoping this round works out as well. Thanks for sharing your story, it had given me much needed hope

[miracleneeded in reply to MamaWeez]

Ooh that is exciting!!! This could be the one! Crossing my fingers and toes for you!

[MamaWeez]

Hello Tilly! I highly recommend you do the test. After a total of 5 transfers (2 failed, 3 chemical pregnancies & 1 miscarriage), we found out that we have 45% DNA Fragmentation. My husband and I took vitamins and improved our lifestyle. His frag improved 4 months later and went down to 32%, but it was still not enough for a successful ICSI. So we decided to go for TESA (sperm retrieval from testicles) and PGS (PGT-a), based on our doctor's recommendation. This cycle resulted in two PGS normal embryos and we will be transferring the first one on Thursday.

[leo1980 in reply to MamaWeez]

Ooh! So exciting! Let me know how you go! I also have some PGT normal ones in the freezer. But my really good looking ones were binned 6 in total and I just can’t help but wonder….if they would have had a chance

[MofM]

My partner has also very high fragmentation, and knowing this helped us deciding for the best treatment (in our case the consultant suggested IMSI)