Episode Details
Back to EpisodesA Hidden Sperm Pathology that's Interfering with Your ability to Conceive.
Description
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to the presence of breaks or damage in the genetic material of sperm, which can significantly reduce fertility potential in men. This condition impairs the sperm's ability to successfully fertilize an egg or support healthy embryo development, often leading to lower pregnancy rates, increased miscarriage risk, and reduced success in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Factors such as oxidative stress, environmental toxins, smoking, or advanced paternal age can contribute to DNA damage, disrupting the integrity of the genetic information passed to the offspring. Even when sperm appear normal in count, motility, or morphology, high levels of DNA fragmentation can silently undermine reproductive outcomes, making it a critical yet often overlooked factor in male infertility assessments.