A High Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index Negatively Affects Pregnancy Outcomes in ART

Background: Sperm Chromatin Structure Analysis (SCSA®) is a patented assay that has emerged as an effective method for assessing sperm DNA quality in infertile males. It is demonstrated to hold significant importance in the decision-making process for employing various assisted reproductive techniques (ART), primarily due to its capability to predict pregnancy outcomes based on the extent of sperm DNA damage. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if high sperm DNA fragmentation affected pregnancy outcomes in ART cycles. Methods: This retrospective observational study presents the most extensive study survey to date within the Indian sub-continent, involving a cohort of 574 patients reporting to a Fertility Centre between 2014 and 2018. Results: Analysis of 574 patients undergoing ART procedures revealed no significant difference in sperm count, motility, or male/female age between those achieving positive pregnancy outcomes and those who did not, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of fertility. Increased DNA fragmentation (%DFI) correlated with reduced pregnancy success, emphasizing the importance of assessing sperm DNA integrity. Conclusion: The broad implications of this research lie in providing fertility specialists with a reliable and dependable tool to personalize ART approaches based on sperm DNA quality, thereby optimizing the effectiveness of ART cycles. Keywords: SCSA®; Sperm DNA; Assisted Reproductive Techniques; Pregnancy Outcome; DNA Fragmentation Index