SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH SEMEN PARAMETERS

Objective: To evaluate the level of sperm DNA fragmentation and its association with semen parameters. Material and methods: this cross-sectional study recruited 289 semen samples from the husband of infertile couples who were examined at the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Evaluated values include semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Results: The mean of DFI was 28.37 ± 20.38 (4 - 91)%, the rate of DFI < 30% group was 64.0% and DFI ≥ 30% was 36.0%: Progressive motility in DFI <30% group was higher than DFI ≥ 30% group, statistically significant, (29.87 ± 11.33 vs 26.85 ± 12.61, p = 0.038). DFI was positive correlated with progressive motility (r = - 0.132, p = 0.025), and tends to be positively correlated with the abnormality head sperm (r = 0.111, p = 0.061). Conclusion: High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation are observed in infertile couples. The sperm DNA fragmentation index is not strongly correlated with semen parameters. Sperm DNA fragmentation test should be performed as an additional step in evaluating male fertility Key words: semen parameters, sperm, sperm DNA fragmentation index - DFI, big halo