The important task of sperm is to carry genetic material (DNA) from one biological parent and combine it with the genetic material contained within the egg of the other. This creates a unique genetic code for the offspring. Inside the sperm head the chromosomes—molecules of DNA—are coiled tightly within a nucleus. The neck and tail allow the sperm to transport the genetic material efficiently.
The genetic integrity of sperm is a major factor in male fertility as DNA carries all the instructions for embryo development. If the DNA inside the sperm’s head is damaged and the strands are broken up, the sperm may not be able to fertilize an egg properly making conception unlikely and increasing the chances of miscarriage. This is called Sperm DNA fragmentation. It is one of the main causes of male infertility and is tested less often and also understood less than other semen parameters and sperm quality measures such as sperm count, size and shape, and motility.
Causes of Sperm DNA fragmentation
The sperm’s genetic material can get damaged in several ways, and it can happen at several points in the process of producing and storing sperm.
Errors or damage during “condensation”
The genetic material within sperm condenses during spermatogenesis. The DNA organizes itself comfortably in the sperm head by wrapping around a few specific proteins. Thus large amounts of DNA occupy a very small space, protecting the DNA from damage.
However, there are chances of causing damage too as a large amount of genetic material needs to be arranged tightly within the nucleus of the sperm. This twisting can lead to physical breaks in the DNA. Secondly, DNA can be potentially damaged by outside forces if there are problems with the mechanisms that package this genetic material, such as a lack of the proteins required to facilitate the condensation process.
Oxidative stress
Free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the sperm cells if left unchecked can cause damage to the DNA. This is called oxidative stress. The antioxidants present in semen and other male reproductive parts tend to neutralize these free radicals and prevent damage. However, if their quantity is low, they won’t be able to counteract the free radicals and it will lead to oxidative stress.
Varicoceles
Studies indicate that a varicocele can cause sperm DNA fragmentation. It is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, which can cause problems with blood flow to and from the testes.
Abortive Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a “self-cleaning” mechanism that eliminates unnecessary, damaged or infected cells from the body. It is beneficial and important for the health of the overall organism. The presence of a specific protein, Fas, helps identify the cell that has been marked for removal.
Sometimes, the body can recognize sperm with DNA damage and mark them with Fas, but there is an interruption in the process somewhere along the way, and damaged sperm can escape. This is called abortive apoptosis. It has a definite impact on fertility.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors, particularly diet and airborne pollution, are known to cause sperm DNA fragmentation.
Lifestyle choices
You must also be aware that lifestyle choices such as drinking and smoking can lead to oxidative stress within the sperm cell.
Treatment for Sperm DNA Fragmentation
The practice of treating DNA fragmentation with antioxidants is not a correct approach. They can bring about a negative consequence that can be easily overlooked – reductive stress, resulting in DNA decondensation. This is where the DNA inside the sperm head is untangled, which does as much damage to male fertility as DNA fragmentation.
It is very important to strike a balance between these two causes of infertility.
Dietary supplements
Some preconception dietary supplements can just do that. They have a unique formula of active ingredients, which can activate your body’s natural antioxidant defence. This is produced only where it is needed and the problem of DNA fragmentation is solved without causing DNA condensation.
Lifestyle changes
By making a couple of simple changes to your lifestyle, DNA fragmentation can be reduced. You must quit smoking and cut down or stop alcohol consumption.
Balanced diet and exercise
Studies indicate that obesity leads to a higher risk of sperm DNA damage in infertile patients. For those of you who have a BMI above 25, it is advised that you should have a more balanced diet and must exercise regularly to lose weight.
Processed and junk foods can also cause DNA fragmentation and a reduction in sperm counts. So you have to be careful with what you eat even if your BMI is at a healthy weight. Avoid junk food, include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and take the right supplements.
If you are looking for the Best Infertility Hospital in Kerala that can offer you fertility treatments with high success possibilities, look no further. Goodwill IVF Treatment Center is a name you can completely trust. The IVF Treatment Cost in Kerala ranges from Rs 90,000 to Rs 1,40,000 including the prescribed medicines and drugs.
