Table 5. Main relationships of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) with ART outcomes.
Higher SDF Higher SDF
Correlations with: No correlations with:
Lower FR FR
Lower embryo quality rate Embryo quality rate
Lower blastocyst rate Total blastocysts
Lower IR CPR
Lower CPR Gestational age
Lower LBR Birth weight
Due to lower SDF in testicular sperm, TESA is advised in:
Recurrent implantation failures
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Regarding azoospermia, SDF is increased in:
Obstructive azoospermia
Secretory azoospermia
Regarding IVF/ICSI:
IVF: lower IR, CPR
ICSI: higher IR, CPR
Differences may be due to:
sperm selection in ICSI
fertile women associated with higher DNA repair capacity
Reduced ovarian reserve associated with:
Lower IR, CPR, LBR
Normal ovarian reserve associated with:
Higher IR, CPR, LBR