Sperm DNA Damage

Sperm DNA damage means single- or double-strand breaks in the genetic material of the sperm cell and disruption of chromatin integrity. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is an additional marker used in assessing male infertility; some tests report the result as DFI. A standard semen analysis describes count, motility and shape but does not show DNA integrity directly. SDF is therefore not routine in every male-infertility case. It may be considered after recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility or assisted-reproduction failure.