High sperm DNA fragmentation index is a significant contributor to male infertility and can elevate the risk of miscarriage. This can have a detrimental effect on the sperm’s ability to effectively fertilise eggs and produce high-quality embryos. Dr Sneha Sathe, a Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility in Chembur, highlighted in an interview with HT Lifestyle that the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) test is recommended in specific situations, such as prolonged infertility, repeated failed intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, and previous IVF cycles resulting in poor embryo quality.
The causes of high DFI can be attributed to various factors, including infections, environmental pollution, lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol, and drug use, as well as medical conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Furthermore, high DFI can have a negative impact on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, resulting in the production of embryos of poor quality or embryos that do not reach the critical blastocyst stage, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
Management of high DFI includes advising the male partner to take antioxidant supplements, make lifestyle changes, and consider advanced techniques such as the Zymot Slide, PICSI, or MACS to obtain sperm with lower DNA fragmentation. Additionally, men with high DFI are advised to have shorter periods of abstinence before providing semen samples as this can reduce DNA fragmentation.
Dr Sneha Sathe emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from a fertility specialist for tailored advice and expert care to address concerns and overcome infertility challenges. Timely intervention and proper management can significantly enhance the chances of successful conception.
It is essential to seek personalized advice from a fertility consultant and receive expert care to achieve successful pregnancy outcomes. For the latest lifestyle news and updates, visit the Hindustan Times website and app for more information on Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationships, and more.