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thérapie FERTILITY

4.7

242 Google reviews

Always evidence based

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Assessing fertility potential

A sperm DNA fragmentation test looks at the DNA within the sperm cell to see whether there is any damage that may be affecting fertility. It is a more detailed test than semen analysis and can provide helpful information when sperm quality needs to be better understood.

This test may be recommended if there has been unexplained infertility, repeated miscarriage, or difficulty with fertilisation in previous treatment. It can help our doctors build a clearer picture of sperm health and guide you towards the most appropriate next steps.

The sample is given in the same way as a semen sample, through masturbation in a private sample room at our clinic. If you book a sperm DNA fragmentation test, the cost of a semen analysis is included, and both tests are performed at the same time.

Pricing

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

€450

What is sperm DNA fragmentation?

Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to damage or breaks in the DNA carried inside sperm cells. DNA carries important genetic information, and assessing its integrity can help us understand whether sperm factors may be contributing to fertility challenges.

A semen analysis looks at sperm count, motility and morphology, which means how many sperm are present, how they move and what they look like. A sperm DNA fragmentation test goes one step further by looking at the DNA within the sperm cell.

This test does not replace semen analysis. It provides additional information when our team feel that a more detailed investigation may be useful.

Understanding more about sperm DNA fragmentation

with our Medical Director Dr. John

A sperm DNA fragmentation test may be recommended when we need more information about sperm health than a semen analysis can provide. This can be helpful if fertility challenges remain unexplained, or if there has been repeated miscarriage or previous difficulty with fertilisation.

The sperm DNA fragmentation process

  • 01

    Consultation and history

    Your testing journey starts with a free consultation with one of our fertility nurses. We will talk through your medical history, lifestyle, previous results, fertility goals and any questions or concerns you may have.

    This helps us understand whether sperm DNA fragmentation testing may be useful for you. If you have recent results from another clinic, we can review them where clinically suitable before recommending further tests.

  • 02

    Sample and lab testing

    The sample is provided through masturbation in a private sample room at our clinic. This is the same process used for semen analysis.

    Your sample will be tested for semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation. The DNA fragmentation part of the test is completed by an off-site laboratory, so results may take a little longer to come back than semen analysis results. Our team will explain the process clearly before your appointment, including any preparation instructions.

  • 03

    Results and next steps

    Once your results are available, they will be shared with you through your patient portal. Your test results will be explained in more detail at your medical consultation with one of our fertility specialists.

    Your results may help guide next steps such as lifestyle changes, further testing, IVF, ICSI or, in some cases, surgical sperm retrieval. You may also decide not to proceed with treatment right now. Either way, you will have clearer information to help you make informed decisions.

What our patients say

  • Victoria Kalandadze
    2 weeks ago

    I had the most attentive and amazing experience with Thérapie Fertility from the moment I walked in for my consultation. It was incredibly informative, and I felt genuin…

    Google Review
  • Igotboomed Google Account
    2 weeks ago

    We started our journey with Thérapie in January 2024, after so many years of struggle and being let down by the NHS. We were terrified to reach out to a private clinic, b…

    Google Review
  • Andy 'aree
    2 weeks ago

    The staff were and still are very supportive, understanding, and communicative during a difficult time.

    Google Review
  • Laura Kearns
    2 weeks ago

    We cannot recommend Thérapie Fertility enough. Our baby boy is now 6 months old through ICSI thanks to Thérapie which is something we once thought we would never have🩵 w…

    Google Review
  • Allie
    2 weeks ago

    I froze embryos with Therapie Fertility earlier this year due to a complex medical history that may lead me to have difficulty conceiving in the future. Many clinics don’…

    Google Review
  • Serena Rush
    2 weeks ago

    I cannot recommend Thérapie Fertility enough. I underwent treatment at Thérapie Fertility and the care that I received from all members of staff was absolutely fantastic.…

    Google Review
  • Erin Shanks
    3 weeks ago

    I honestly can’t thank Therapy Fertility both Dublin and the Belfast clinic enough for everything they’ve done for me and my family. From the very beginning of our journe…

    Google Review
  • Nicole Hempenstall
    3 weeks ago

    I could not recommend therapie fertility more I have told so many friends and family about their welcoming, kindness and relaxed environment they provide. We were so luck…

    Google Review
  • Katie Chadburn
    3 weeks ago

    Wow where do I even begin!? The care, empathy, skill and joy this clinic bring to their patients is really something other clinics should aspire to. We had our IVF round …

    Google Review
  • A C
    4 weeks ago

    Writing this review with my 6 month old in my arms. I will forever be grateful to all the team in Thérapie ❤️ our first round of ICSI was successful and we were supported…

    Google Review
  • Dorina Bukhtiar-solyom
    a month ago

    We cannot thank the team at Thérapie Fertility Carrickmines enough for the care, kindness, and support we received throughout our fertility journey. From our very first a…

    Google Review
  • Andrea Breen
    2 months ago

    We couldn’t recommend Thérapie Fertility more. Every question was answered, every worry was taken seriously, and we were supported every step of the way. You can really f…

    Google Review
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Your Sperm DNA Fragmentation questions answered

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often about sperm DNA fragmentation at Thérapie Fertility.

  • Yes. You can have testing without starting treatment. Some men choose testing to better understand sperm health before deciding on the next steps. Your results can help you make more informed decisions, whether or not you proceed with treatment right away.

  • Sperm DNA fragmentation may be relevant when planning fertility treatment. Depending on your results and wider fertility picture, our doctors may discuss whether IVF, ICSI or further testing could be suitable. Your results will always be reviewed alongside your full medical history and any partner test results.

  • In some cases, sperm health can improve over time, particularly where lifestyle factors, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol, diet or general health may be contributing. Sperm production takes time, so changes may take a few months to be reflected in results.

  • Some lifestyle changes may support sperm health and, in some cases, reduce sperm DNA fragmentation. This can include avoiding smoking, reducing binge drinking, avoiding steroid use, limiting heat exposure, eating a balanced diet, supporting a healthy weight and managing stress. Our doctors will guide you on what may be most relevant for your situation.

  • The sperm DNA fragmentation test is performed by an off-site laboratory, so results may take a little longer than those from a semen analysis. Our team will let you know when to expect your results and will explain them clearly once they are available.

View all Sperm DNA Fragmentation questions

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