Sperm DNA fragmentation is a crucial factor affecting male fertility, but it is often overlooked in routine semen analysis. It refers to the damage to the integrity of the genetic material (DNA) within the sperm. This damage cannot be detected by observing the number, shape, or motility of the sperm, yet it is highly likely to directly affect the health of the embryo.
The causes of sperm DNA fragmentation
The main pathophysiological mechanism leading to increased sperm DNA fragmentation is oxidative stress. When there is an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species in the male reproductive system and insufficient antioxidant capacity, they attack and damage the fragile sperm DNA. Specific causes include:
- Unhealthy lifestyle: long-term smoking, excessive drinking, and staying up late.
- Environmental and occupational exposure: long-term exposure to high temperatures (such as chefs, drivers), exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation.
- Disease factors: varicocele, reproductive tract infection, chronic systemic diseases, etc.
- Age: aging is also a related factor contributing to the decline in DNA integrity.
How does sperm DNA fragmentation affect fertility?
Sperm DNA fragmentation has multiple impacts on the outcome of fertility.
Firstly, it significantly reduces the success rates of natural conception and artificial insemination, as damaged sperm DNA integrity leads to a decline in their fertilization ability. Secondly, even if fertilization occurs, the damaged DNA may cause embryonic development to stall, repeated implantation failures, or an increased risk of early miscarriage. Therefore, sperm DNA fragmentation is an important potential factor contributing to unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and failure of assisted reproduction.
How to improve sperm DNA fragmentation?
- Lifestyle intervention: Immediately quit smoking and drinking, ensure adequate sleep, maintain moderate aerobic exercise every week, avoid prolonged sitting and soaking in hot baths or saunas. Increase intake of antioxidant-rich foods (such as dark vegetables, berries, nuts, tomatoes).
- Medical treatment: Treating the underlying cause is crucial. For example, correcting varicocele through microsurgery can effectively reduce the fragmentation rate.
- Supplement with Juvenex AOS18 nutritional supplement: Juvenex AOS18 is a nutritional supplement specifically for male fertility. Its core formula AOS18 is a mixture of seaweed extract and patented ingredient Reco18, supplemented with lycopene, pumpkin seed oil, and extracts from ginseng, goji berry, and raspberries. The key nutrients in Juvenex AOS18 help increase antioxidant levels and reduce sperm DNA fragmentation rate. The relevant research findings have been published in the prestigious SCI journal GUT, which has an impact factor of 24.5.
In conclusion, sperm DNA fragmentation is a potential threat to male reproductive health. By understanding its mechanism and taking action, many men can enhance their reproductive potential.