Rahul Manoj: The Hidden Factor Behind Fertilization Failure
Rahul Manoj, Senior Embryologist at Best Life Fertility Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Day 29: Understanding Sperm DNA Fragmentation – The Hidden Factor Behind Fertilization Failure
Even when sperm count, motlity, and morphology look normal, hidden DNA damage can silently reduce fertilization potential, embryo quality, and implantation success.
What is Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF)? It refers to breaks or damage in the sperm’s genetic material (DNA), often due to oxidative stress, apoptosis, or defective chromatin packaging.
Causes:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress
- Varicocele
- High testicular temperature
- Smoking, toxins, and infections
- Repeated freeze–thaw cycles
- Advanced paternal age
Testing Methods:
- TUNEL Assay
- SCSA (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay)
- COMET Assay
- SCD (Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test)
Clinical Impact:
- Reduced fertilization and blastocyst formation
- Poor embryo development
- Higher miscarriage rates
- Poor ICSI outcomes if high fragmentation persists
Key Insight:
Even with normal semen parameters, a high DNA fragmentation index (DFI > 30%) can be a critical indicator of male factor infertility.
How to Reduce DNA Damage:
Antioxidant therapy (Vit C, E, CoQ10, Zinc, L-carnitine)
Lifestyle modification (quit smoking, reduce stress, avoid heat exposure)
Use of testicular sperm for ICSI when ejaculated sperm shows high DFI
Optimization of lab conditions to minimize oxidative stress”
Stay updated on all scientific advances in the field of fertility with Fertility News.
-
Oct 11, 2025, 06:44The Global IVF Market Is Set to Reach $65B by 2032 – Meddilink
-
Dec 14, 2025, 04:40Murat Levent Dereli: Monochorionic-Monoamniotic Twin with Aberrant Vascular Anastomosis
-
Dec 14, 2025, 04:18Impact of Basic Income on Health – The Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis
-
Dec 14, 2025, 04:14Immune Regulation Insights from RaFJC Conference – Reproduction and Fertility
-
Dec 14, 2025, 04:07Jacques Maas: Transformative Strategies for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
-
Dec 14, 2025, 04:04Caroline Ford: Reflects on a Journey in Gynaecological Cancer
-
Dec 14, 2025, 04:00Economic Impact of Endometriosis in New Zealand Revealed – Endometriosis New Zealand
-
Dec 14, 2025, 03:57Lone Hummelshoj: Exploring Experimental Models in Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
-
Dec 13, 2025, 04:22Placenta-Targeted Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss – Reproduction and Fertility
-
Dec 13, 2025, 03:57Yasmine Candau: I Was Once Only a Patient, Today I Put My Experience at the Service of Others