Sperm DNA fragmentation test 101

Why a sperm DNA fragmentation test could be important – even if its sperm analysis says it is “normal”

Whether you start on your fertility course or try to design for some time, it is likely that you have heard of the sperm analysis test.

Maybe your partner has already had one. And maybe you were told that everything was “normal”. Yes, it is a sentence that many female partners hear very early and, of course, this can bring a certain relief.

But here is the thing. Once this test comes normal, attention usually moves entirely to you. The male side is often not looked at again. And if this is the case, it is perhaps only after fertility treatments, the treatments have been tried and stranded, generally (if we are honest) at a high financial and emotional cost.

Fragmentation of sperm DNA (The damage hidden in the DNA of the sperm) is not detected by an ordinary semen analysis and could be a missing part of your puzzle. With new research showing that it affects many more men than we thought before, it is something that deserves to be considered at the start of your family strengthening trip, and not only as a last resort.

We are delighted to hear that the best fertility clinics through the United Kingdom work with Exam,, A world leader in male fertility testsTo help couples as you get answers earlier.

The male fertility tests of the examination are the result of more than 25 years of research on the effects of the fragmentation of the DNA of sperm on male fertility, and they have provided their tests to the best fertility clinics for 15 years. In June 2025, their latest advanced test was the winner of the Diagnostic Excellence category at Life Sciences Industry Awards – and for a good reason.

In partnership with their team of experts, we decompose exactly what a sperm DNA fragmentation test is, when and why it is important, and how Advanced exam tests Can help you and your male partner make better informed choices.

Let’s go.

What does a cum analysis really measure?

Let’s start with the three main things you get the standard sperm analysis test:

1. Sperm number (how many are there)
2. Motility (how they swim)
3. Morphology (how “normal” their form is)

Now, these parameters are all useful and useful in its own right, but none of them tells you if DNA inside each sperm is actually good quality.

This is important because the DNA of sperm plays such a crucial role in fertilization, the development of embryos and if the pregnancy continues. This has total meaning when you think about it – sperm provides 50% of your Baby’s plan!

So why are the sperm DNA fragmentation tests not included in a standard cum analysis? Well, in essence, it is a completely different test type::

• It’s more complex
• It requires different specialist laboratory skills to do it with precision
• It detects and quantifies something that the sperm analysis test doesn’t TO DO

And while research has repeatedly shown links between Fragmentation and infertility of sperm DNA Or miscarriageThis type of test is currently considered to be a “complement” fertility treatment in the United Kingdom and is therefore not systematically offered.

To further complicate things, there are different types of DNA fragmentation tests – some directly measure the real DNA ShameOthers simply measure a proxy indicator for the real Shame. Therefore, some tests are more precise than others, but The fertility field has not yet reached a consensus on which of them prefer.

The result here? Many couples are left in limbo, even ignoring this test, or at least hearing about it after having already undergone other fertility treatments.

The study that changed the conversation

Earlier this year, a revolutionary study on the loss of recurring pregnancy was presented at the 2025 fertility conference in Liverpool and awarded the prestigious commemorative price Iwan Lewis-Jones by the Association of reproductive scientists and clinicians (ARC).

The results of the study are currently being examined by peers, but the results were clear:

• an amazing 7 out of 10 men With a completely normal cum analysis, the results of this miscarriage study had high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation
  

It is a real reminder that sperm that the “normal” grade on the sperm analysis test may not work as they should – and that male partners and couples deserve better information on its fertility profile, earlier.

What is a sperm DNA fragmentation test-and how is it done?

A sperm DNA fragmentation test examines if the genetic material inside sperm is broken or damaged. These DNA fragmentation damage is presented in two forms:

• Simple DNA Breaks (SSSDF) -These are more common and often linked to lifestyle, environment or underlying medical problems. They can often be improved with targeted changes or treatment – Consult the practical preview of the exam here.
• Double Brin DNA Breath (DSSDF) – These are more difficult to repair. Only the female egg can repair this type of damage, and this capacity decreases as a woman is aging, so with regard to this type of result, “the sooner you know” is the point to remember.

How is a sperm DNA fragmentation test carried out? The good news is that, as for a standard cum analysis, taking this test is also simple, simply involving providing a sperm sample, which is then returned for tests.

Who should consider obtaining a sperm DNA fragmentation test?

This test is really not only for couples who have “tried everything”. In fact, it can (and should often) be one of the first most important steps in your fertility course, especially if you are:

• Try to design for more than 6 months without clear female factor and a “normal” cum analysis result
• diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” (A frustrating label which, let’s be honest, would probably not be acceptable in any other field of medicine)
• a female partner aged 35 years or over, With no female factor previously identified
• Take a recurring miscarriage (two or more)
• go through IVF or ICSI which did not workEven when everything looked “normal” on paper

Discover the exact test of examination – the sperm DNA fragmentation test you need to know

We have already mentioned that there are several types of sperm DNA tests, but not all are created equal.