Risk factors that damage sperm leading to male infertility: Study

Among the many reasons for not being able to conceive, male infertility is a major one. Researchers at Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, have identified one of the major risk factors that can affect the quality of sperm.

As per the reports, pollution, smoking, varicocele, diabetes, testicular tumours, and age can effectively reduce the quality of sperm cells.

Published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, the study signifies the fragmentation of sperm’s genetic material.

Head of the Andrology Centre at the Department of Urology at Semmelweis University, Dr Zsolt Kopa said, “The so-called DNA fragmentation analysis is currently the only evidence-based test for determining the functionality of sperm cells. It examines their DNA content, namely the proportion of intact or fragmented genetic material in the sperm. The more fragmented the DNA, the less the sperm’s ability to fertilize; also, it can increase the risk of miscarriage.”

The research is based on nearly 27,000 studies, which is considered to be the largest meta-analysis to date.

According to the recent study, experts have explained that smoking could increase DNA fragmentation by an average of 9.19% compared to non-smokers, causing damage to sperm’s mortality. However, alcohol consumption and body weight play no significant role in sperm quality.

Moreover, although certain infections like Chlamydia and HPV did not impair sperm quality, bacterial or other sexually transmitted diseases showed increased DNA fragmentation (8.98 percent and 5.54 percent).

There are multiple causes of infertility, and approximately 50% can be attributed to men. One of the major reasons is a high rate of DNA fragmentation, which is why it is extremely important to optimize lifestyle factors even before trying for a child. For example- quit smoking, engage in regular physical activity, or eat more healthy food.

Also Read: Diet High In Sugar May Affect Sperm Quality: Study