The Effect of Genital Tract Infections on Sperm DNA Integrity: A Comparative Study Between Infertile and Fertile Men

Male infertility is a multifactorial condition that frequently presents with changes in semen quality and molecular abnormalities. The objective of this study was to evaluate semen parameters, round cell count, and the amount of DNA fragmentation in sperm from fertile donors and infertile males (Asthenozoospermia& Oligo (&astheno-&terato)-zoospermia). Semen was ejaculated and evaluated following the WHO criteria. There was a marked (p 0.01+. Furthermore, the levels of SDF were significantly (p <0.05) higher in infertile groups—Asthenozoospermia (78.76 ± 0.72), Oligoasthenozoospermia (86.85 ± 1.08), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia cases (95.24 ± 0.35)—as compared to controls (50.70 ± 1.01). There were significant differences between the infertile and fertile groups for all measures (p < 0.05). Elevated round cell counts and increased sperm DNA fragmentation were concluded to be important parameters reflecting defective semen quality as well as potential factors in male infertility. The addition of round cells assessment and analysis of DNA fragmentation levels to standard semen analysis in clinical practice may help us to achieve higher diagnostic power, providing a more directed and efficient therapeutic approach for infertile men.