Sperm DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry

Sperm DNA fragmentation involves single- or double-strand breaks in the genetic material of sperm cells. It is an anomaly likely to reduce the fertilizing power of spermatozoa. It is therefore one of the causes of male infertility.The study of sperm DNA fragmentation is therefore an integral part of the work-up for male infertility with spermogram analysis on the one hand and assisted reproduction techniques on the other. Flow cytometry is one of the approaches used in clinical practice to assess sperm DNA fragmentation.On the other hand increased sperm DNA fragmentation can be associated with several extrinsic factors (such as heat exposure smoking urogenital infections and varicocele) or intrinsic factors related to defective germ cell maturation linked to oxidative stress.Some of these factors may be reversible and/or curable which could improve sperm DNA quality and the couple's obstetrical prognosis.