Sperm DNA integrity and IVF outcomes: more to consider

Male fertility is a complex issue, especially when coupled with IVF procedures. Beyond standard sperm analysis (count, shape and motility), analyzing the integrity of the DNA insider the sperm cells – using the DNA Fragmentation Index, or DFI, is a topic that I’m seeing more and more in research and practice, including in these past posts about recurrent pregnancy loss?and?IUI outcomes.

A new 2024 study from China’s Shangqiu Hospital has looked specifically at DFI in IVF cases where intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to manually insert a sperm into a follicle, when shape/morphology and motility are poor. ICSI is often thought to be a go-around for poor sperm parameters.

For reference, a DFI <15% is considered normal, while 15-30% is considered average, and DFI >30% is considered poor integrity.

The researchers looked at whether DFI plays a role in the long-term outcomes of over 6000 IVF/ICSI procedures – and found that, while fertilization rates were unaffected by poor DFI (with ICSI, egg and sperm are able to meet and fertilize), there was a significantly higher miscarriage rate when DFI was poor?and?average (15-30%), compared to normal (<15%). Secondly, they found that infant birth weights were significantly lower for cases where DFI was poor and average (>15%), compared to DFI normal (DFI <15%).?

In short, the study concluded that sperm DFI had an impact on both miscarriage rates and birth weights in IVF/ICSI pregnancies.??

Moreover, the research demonstrates that “average” DFI (15-30%) still merits evaluation and treatment focus, which would include removing oxidative stressors that damage sperm DNA, as well as providing anti-oxidative support – both of which I discuss in my fertility course.

I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!

If you are hungry for?more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey,?visit?www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com?for free webinars and complete programs.

And?if you are a?care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients,?please get in touch?with us at?[email protected], or visit?www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.

In health,

Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND

Terra Life

Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the?Disclaimer and Terms of Use?for full details.

References:

Li, F. et al. (2024).Sperm DNA fragmentation index affect pregnancy outcomes and offspring safety in assisted reproductive technology. Scientific Reports, 356 (2024).