DFI – DNA Fragmentation Index Of Sperm (2025)

What Happens If DNA Fragmentation Is High? & Why DFI Test Is Done?

One can refer to DNA fragmentation as a chemical change in the normal structure of the DNA. This condition can alter the genetic material in the DNA present in the form of single or double strands. If the DNA fragmentation is high, it can lead to several adverse effects related to male reproductive functions, such as reduced potential for fertilisation, abnormal embryonic development, and poor pregnancy outcomes. A DFI test is often recommended for couples dealing with male fertility issues, recurrent miscarriages, failed IVF cycles, poor or arrested embryonic development and conditions such as varicocele and abnormal semen findings.

Our medical team procures a semen sample after ejaculation within 48 hours (no abstinence needed) from the patient.

• Cigarette Smoking

  Cigarette smoking can lead to oxidative stress, which directly damages DNA in the cells. Cigarettes also contain toxic compounds that harm the DNA and the overall reproductive functioning of the body.

• Infection

  Infections are one of the many reasons that can contribute to genetic alterations, causing DNA fragmentation.

• Testicular Overheating

  Heat stress can also damage sperm DNA due to apoptosis. Testicular overheating breaks up DNA and adversely impacts chromatin density in the male body.

• Varicocele

  Varicocele is a condition that arises when a vein in the testes becomes enlarged. This is one of the causes of high DNA fragmentation in sperm. Males with the varicocele condition may have a reduced fertility rate.

• Pollution

  Long term exposure to air pollution, including various environmental oestrogens, for example, those found in pesticides and plastics, can cause hormonal imbalances in males, leading to DNA fragmentation.

• Advanced Age

  Male ageing is also one of the many factors that lead to male infertility due to high DNA fragmentation.

• Obesity

  Obesity in males is directly linked to an increased risk of high DNA fragmentation and slow sperm mobility.

• Oxidative Stress

  Too much reactive oxygen species (ROS) or a lack of antioxidants, a condition known as oxidative stress, causes high DNA fragmentation in males.

• Poor Diet

  A diet that lacks protective antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also cause fertility issues due to high DNA fragmentation.

• Alcohol consumption

  Alcohol consumption has a direct association with high DNA fragmentation. It negatively impacts male reproductive functioning.

• Chemotherapy

  Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, can adversely impact sperm quality and may be one of the reasons for high DNA fragmentation in males undergoing the treatment for cancers.

• Diabetes

  Owing to oxidative stress and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), men who have diabetes are at a greater risk of having high DNA fragmentation in their sperm.

• Fever

  An increase in body temperature may also be a cause of high DNA fragmentation.

• Environmental Toxins

  Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollutants, pesticides, chemicals, radiations, elevate the risk of high DNA fragmentation in male sperm cells.

• Pharmaceutical Medications

  Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and long-term exposure to certain drugs can lead to high DNA fragmentation.

• Effect Of Anti-Depressants And Anti-Epileptic Medications

  These medications can cause oxidative stress, hormonal disturbances, or disrupt cellular processes, which impact sperm quality, increasing the likelihood of DNA damage.

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