The importance of sperm DNA fragmentation in the choice of a method for the treatment of male infertility using assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

Background. Sperm DNA fragmentation is an important marker of male fertility and may influence the outcome of the infertility treatment based on assisted reproductive technologies. Numerous studies have been done to assess the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on reproductive outcomes, however the extent of this effect with various assisted reproductive technologies remains a matter of debate.Materials and methods. Search, analysis and systematization of publications in the PubMed and eLIBRARY databases using the keywords: male infertility, sperm DNA fragmentation, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We have selected 49 sources that are included in this literature review.Results and discussion. The presence of a high level of sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with a low probability of natural pregnancy, as well as a low frequency of successful intrauterine insemination. The high level of sperm DNA fragmentation appears to have a negative impact on the reproductive outcomes of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but the degree of this effect on the results of ICSI is less pronounced. ICSI with testicular spermatozoa can be used in treatment of male infertility associated with high sperm DNA fragmentation, however, the data on the advantage of this approach over standard ICSI are contradictory.Conclusion. High level of sperm DNA fragmentation associated with the low likelihood of natural pregnancy and success of intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. More large, well-designed studies are needed to establish the role of ICSI with testicular sperm in the treatment of patients with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation.