Male Fertility Basics: Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Single vs. Double Strand

Male fertility plays a crucial role in the ability to conceive and bring a healthy child into the world. A key factor in male fertility is the integrity of sperm DNA. DNA fragmentation refers to breaks in the DNA strands that make up the genetic material in sperm. When sperm DNA is fragmented, it can have a significant impact on the health of the developing embryo and ultimately, the health of the child born as a result. It is important to measure not only single-strand breaks (SSB) but also double-strand breaks (DSB) of the DNA in order to understand the extent of damage and the potential consequences.

There are three potential outcomes of sperm DNA fragmentation, depending on the level of damage. In some cases, the oocyte repair machinery may not be sufficient to repair the DNA damage, leading to failure of the embryo to develop or implant in the uterus, or even a natural abortion at a later stage. In other cases, the oocyte may repair the DNA strand breaks before the first cleavage division, resulting in normal offspring. In the worst-case scenario, partial oocyte repair may lead to deletions or sequence errors, resulting in abnormal offspring.

It has been reported that 80% of structural chromosome aberrations in humans are of paternal origin. This highlights the importance of the capacity of the oocyte to fix the sperm DNA problem. DNA repair in the newly fertilized embryo is believed to rely entirely on the maternal mRNAs and proteins deposited and stored in the oocyte before ovulation. The extent of damage to sperm DNA is also a crucial factor in the ability of the oocyte to repair the damage. Experts estimate that when sperm DNA is damaged by less than 8%, the oocyte still has the capacity to repair the damage. An amazing feat of human evolution.

As we now know, sperm DNA fragmentation can be classified as single-stranded or double-stranded. Single-stranded DNA damage is generally easier to repair than double-stranded DNA damage, although there is evidence that polymerases can repair both types of damage. In order to understand the extent of damage and the potential consequences, it is important to measure both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA fragmentation. This will help determine the most appropriate course of action to improve fertility and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and child.

The integrity of sperm DNA is crucial to male fertility and the health of the resulting offspring. Measuring both single-strand and double-strand breaks in sperm DNA is essential in understanding the extent of damage and the potential consequences. This information can then be used to determine the most appropriate course of action to improve fertility and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and child. You can learn more about types of DNA tests in our ‘Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test: 101’ blog.

In the majority of cases, there is much that can be done to improve DNA fragmentation and sperm health naturally. Please reach out to set up and appointment with Dr. Shamus to discuss how acupuncture, Eastern Medicine and simple dietary and lifestyle shifts can maximize your fertility profile.

Journey into Treating Male Factor Infertility

Over the last few years I've taken a deep dive into how acupuncture and Eastern medicine can help with male factor infertility.

Thanks largely to the work of folks like @drshannaswan and others - my interest sparked as I became aware of the massive drop in fertility rates that we're facing in Western industrialized nations. It's not particularly great, we're not too far from a point of no return (more on that to come).

ACUPUNCTURE IN ROCHESTER, NY | ACU 585

INFERTILITY BREAKDOWN — approximately 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown

Despite our problems and complexities, I think humans are unique, beautiful beings, capable of incredibly amazing things. I truly believe, as a species, we've barely begun to plumb the depths of our greatest potential. So, I can't personally imagine a better thing than to help make more of them. Especially to aid those suffering from the ability to do so without a bit of extra help.

While much of the onus is placed on women in the fertility process when things aren't working out, males are a hugely overlooked factor. It was astonishing to me that in many infertility situations, the male factor is something of an afterthought. In fact, when it comes to fertility problems, the general breakdown is somewhere around: 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown.

So, why such a lack of focus and/or support for males? Very good question. There are likely many reasons and I intend to explore all of them.

So, if you're finding yourself in a situation where you or your partner is having difficulty, or would just like to optimize sperm health throughout your fertility journey please feel free to reach out. Acupuncture and Eastern medicine is a great complimentary therapy for male factor infertility issues.

A typical session will consist of a semen analysis review (if an analysis is available), a look at diet and lifestyle, some recommendations for supplementation and herbs (if needed), acupuncture and likely some infrared light therapy.

All very easy, comfortable and painless.

If you’d like to learn more, I highly recommend checking out the work of Dr. Shanna Swan. In this interview from Mt. Sinai Hospital, Dr. Swan discusses how endocrine-disrupting chemicals are contributing to decreasing sperm counts and more.