Clínica Fertia

DNA Fagmentation

What is DNA Fragmentation?

Spermatic DNA fragmentation is one of the causes of male infertility that is also linked to recurrent miscarriages and poor embryo quality.

DNA fragmentation can make pregnancy more difficult even in cases where the semenogram appears normal. In some cases, the oocyte can repair the DNA damage of the sperm that fertilized it, this will depend on the type of DNA lesion, the percentage of sperm DNA affected as well as the quality of the oocyte that is linked to the age of the patient.

The spermatozoid’s function is to carry the DNA chain from the father and insert it into the egg for the formation of the embryo. In this way, the embryo will carry half of the DNA of each parent. If the DNA strand is damaged in any way, male infertility problems or miscarriages can develop. The technique used to quantify DNA damage is known as flow cytometry, it is a complex technique that analyses in detail the existence of breaks in the DNA chains of thousands of sperm (it can analyse more than 10,000), obtaining thus a reliable analysis of the DNA status of the sample.

Normally, damages to the DNA chain are associated with environmental factors, known as oxidizing agents. In addition, there are other factors that can trigger DNA fragmentation such as having a fever, having a varicocele, smoking or genital tract infections. DNA fragmentation may also increase with age or certain medications and dietary supplements.

What are the consequences of DNA Fragmentation?

When these DNA breaks are many and affect a large number of spermatozoids, the probability that an In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) cycle will have a negative result is higher. DNA fragmentation has also been linked to poor embryo quality, embryo implantation failures and repeat miscarriages.

At Clínica Fertia we recommend this test when sperm DNA damage is suspected in the male. This diagnosis is usually established after the fertility consultation. The fragmentation values can be reduced after the intake of dietry supplements rich in antioxidants. At Fertia we recommend that these are taken for at least 10 weeks prior to attempting pregnancy or IVF cycle.

We also apply a technique called Fertile chip that allows us to select the best sperm to ensure the success of the treatment.

Frequently asked questions about reproduction treatments

If you would like more information about our treatments, we are always available to help and answer any of your questions.

Ask us
How long do I have to wait to start treatment?
If the evaluation is successful, treatment can be started immediately.
Treatment can be scheduled for the month that best suits the couple. In the case of egg recipients, the waiting time is usually one or two months.
How many attempts can I make?

In the case of artificial insemination, here at the clinic we recommend a maximum of four attempts, since 90% of pregnancies occur in the first four cycles.
Regarding In-vitro fertilisation or microinjection, our clinic never makes more than four attempts using these techniques.
In the case of egg donation, it is more difficult to establish a limit, this will normally be determined by psychological and also economic factors.

Can you use these techniques when you have already entered menopause?
Yes. Nowadays, it is possible to become a mother after entering menopause, either physiological due to ovarian failure, or after treatment of neoplastic diseases.
In these cases, the reception of eggs from a donor must be used.
What are the biggest concerns of egg or sperm recipient couples?
Anonymity is what worries most couples and, at Clínica Fertia, this is absolutely always guaranteed. Although a patient accepts to undergo the treatment, they do want the upmost discretion.
Another factor that concerns a couple is the health of the donors and the physical resemblance to them.
In our centre, both in the case of sperm donors and egg donors, our goal is to seek that the physical resemblance is as similar as possible to the parents.
Are these treatments expensive?
For a couple with fertility problems to achieve a pregnancy it can cost between 800 and 6,000 euros, if an assisted reproduction technique is used. Although the price not only depends on the technique used, but also on the frequency of its application.
Clínica Fertia is a pioneer in maintaining an honest and transparent policy. Since 2002 we have published the information of the cost of our treatments on our website.

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