What is Sperm DNA fragmentation index test or DFI test?

Sperm DNA fragmentation index test (DFI test) detects the % percentage of sperm DNA damage, higher the sperm DNA damage % percentage means lower chances of having a healthy baby. Sperm DNA fragmentation can be due to some internal genetic alterations or external factors like environmental changes or inflammation, Sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the common factor for male infertility.

Why should I do Sperm DNA fragmentation index test?

A semen analysis is done for all male partners to test for their fertility potential. However, it has been noted that a lot of times even with a normal semen analysis, their is either a fertilization failure or the embryo formed is of very poor quality resulting in recurrent (repeated) implantation failure or recurrent (repeated) miscarriage, this could be as a result of damaged DNA in the sperm.

At Akruti IVF the Sperm DNA fragmentation index test is done by SCSA (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) which provides the most accurate results and the test is performed by experienced Embryologist cross verified by the laboratory director (Sr Embryologist).

Please note – the general & even most of the bigger diagnostic laboratories do not have access to the experienced Embryologist who has the right knowledge & experience to perform the test proficiently.

Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a metric that measures the amount of sperm DNA damage which can correlate to fertility potential, refer below table for result analysis;

DFI Value	Fertility Potential	Sperm DNA damage
<15%	Normal – High chances	Low damage
15% – 30%	Average	Fair Damage
>30%	Poor – low chances	High / Severe Damage

What causes DNA fragmentation and why is my DFI % percentage high?

In the sperm cell, DNA damage results because of the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can be due to many different factors such as:

• Tobacco Use like Smoking etc
• Alcoholism
• Substance (drug) Use
• Advanced age
• Chemical/ Radiation Exposure
• Environmental toxins
• Inflammation and infections
• Varicocele
• Obesity and poor diet
• Chronic diseases like diabetes or cancer
• Tight-fitting underwear, hot tubs, heat from laptops on your lap/ thigh region

What is the treatment for high sperm DNA fragmentation 5 percentage?

Since sperm DNA fragmentation is linked to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), your doctor will prescribe antioxidant supplements to lower the amount of ROS formed. Apart from this, certain lifestyle changes can also help in reducing your DFI levels and increasing your fertility potential as such:

• Quitting tobacco
• Quitting alcohol
• Quitting substance use
• Exercising daily
• Nutritious meals with more fruits and vegetables (increases antioxidants)
• Avoid tight-fitting underwear, hot tubs, laptops on your lap/ thigh region