Performing a sperm DNA fragmentation test in addition to semen examination based on the WHO criteria can be a more accurate diagnosis of IVF outcomes

Abstract

Background: We analyzed the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and general semen test based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and compared the two tests using semen factors. In addition, we examined whether DFI is a reliable parameter associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

Methods: Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) and general semen tests were conducted in accordance with the WHO 2010 guidelines, and correlations between the two tests were investigated. The WHO criteria were set as the cutoff values for each of the following factors: semen volume, concentration, total sperm count, motility, and normal morphology, and compared with the DFI results.

Results: The subjects had a mean sperm DFI of 15.3% ± 12.6%, and the DFI increased with age. In contrast, motility and normal morphology decreased as the DFI increased. Patients who satisfied the WHO criteria in terms of concentration, total sperm count, and motility had a significantly lower DFI than those who did not satisfy the criteria. Therefore, evaluation with a general semen test based on the WHO criteria should be regarded as a qualitative evaluation of all factors other than semen volume and normal morphology.

Conclusions: High DFI (≥ 30%) caused a low blastocyst development rate following intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Male infertility due to DFI should be suspected when IVF results are poor despite normal semen findings based on the WHO criteria. The results of this study suggest that the SCD test may more accurately evaluate the correlation between IVF clinical outcomes and male infertility. Therefore, it is important to focus on DFI measurements.

Keywords: Blastocyst development; Human spermatozoa; Infertility of male; Semen examination; Sperm DNA fragmentation; Sperm morphology.