Revised 2023
What is sperm DNA testing?
Genetic material is carried in our DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA in sperm is how genes are passed down to offspring. It is thought that abnormal DNA could lead to abnormal sperm function and, therefore, reduced fertility. The DNA in sperm can be analyzed for damage.
How is sperm DNA tested?
A sperm sample is collected, and the amount of DNA damage or fragmentation is calculated with a specialized test. Several different tests can examine for DNA damage, including:
- Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA)
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay
- Single-cell gelelectrophoresis (COMET) assay
What is the purpose of sperm DNA testing?
The hope is that these tests can be used to assess if DNA fragmentation may be contributing to a man having reduced fertility. Many studies show that there is a link between sperm DNA damage and fertility issues.
Who should have sperm DNA testing done?
Sperm DNA testing is not recommended as part of routine male fertility testing. DNA fragmentation testing may be ordered in select cases, for example in couples with recurrent pregnancy losses.
What can sperm DNA testing tell us?
Some studies suggest that sperm DNA testing may predict fertility under certain conditions while other studies do not. The studies use different methods of sperm DNA testing and have small pools of participants. Therefore, there is not enough evidence to show that any specific technique can accurately predict fertility or miscarriage when combined with any treatment. This predictability may improve as new techniques are developed, current techniques are better understood, and more studies are published.
Sperm
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Genetic material is carried in our DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab
Dr. Sangita Jindal, helps patients understand the importance of the IVF lab when choosing an IVF program. Listen to the Episode
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Gamete donation is giving sperm, eggs, both, or embryos to another person/couple so that another person/couple may have a child. View this Fact Sheet
Semen Analysis Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Semen Analysis better. View the Infographics
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ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Smoking and Fertility better. View the InfographicsFact Sheets/Booklets
View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.
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Advocacy Resources
ASRM has prepared resources to help you explain and advocate for reproductive rights and the continuation of in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASRM's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides answers to common questions about reproductive health.
Patient Journeys
ASRM has resources and publications to help you through each stage of your journey.
State and Territory Infertility Insurance Laws
One way that ASRM works to improve access to fertility care is by advocating for insurance coverage for reproductive medicine care. All patients should have access to the care they need.
Fact Sheets and Infographics
ASRM produces a series of fact sheets and booklets on various topics related to infertility, reproductive health, and family planning. The fact sheets and booklets are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Reproductive Rights and You
The Dobbs decision has sparked a litany of changes in state laws across the nation, and more are expected. We need your help!
Reproductive Topics
Find all the resources on a specific topic compiled onto a single page.
SART Fertility Experts Podcast
An educational project of ASRM's affiliated society, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), this series is designed to provide up to date information about a variety of topics related to fertility testing and treatment such as IVF.
Patient Education Videos
ASRM and its affiliated society SART have made several videos to explain the sometimes difficult topics related to reproductive medicine.
Terms and Definitions
Find explanations for the meaning behind the doctor-speak you hear when trying to research reproductive medicine topics. ASRM has defined the most popular terms in easy to understand language.
Patient Stories
Read real-life stories from patients who have faced reproductive medicine challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Fertility in the News
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the world about important happenings in reproductive medicine and at ASRM.
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