The Male Factor in Recurrent Miscarriage
Understanding Men’s Role in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Suffering recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) -defined as two or more miscarriages- can be devastating, but we want you to know you are not alone. While investigations often focus on the female partner, growing evidence highlights that sperm DNA damage plays a significant and often overlooked role.
Identifying the male factor through specialised testing is a crucial step toward finding answers and determining the right treatment pathway.
What is Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF)?
Sperm DNA is the genetic blueprint for your baby. However, this DNA can become damaged during sperm production or transport, a condition known as Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF).
Types of Sperm DNA Damage
Single-Strand Breaks (ssDB)
- Caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, and increased BMI1.
- Can often be improved through lifestyle changes.
The Link Between SDF and Miscarriage
- High levels of SDF can double the likelihood of miscarriage (Source: Men and Miscarriage Research).
- Research shows that men whose partners have experienced recurrent miscarriages often have significantly higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation.
- In our recent research, 61% of men had elevated levels of dsDB, which is associated with recurrent miscarriage. Of these, 56% had a normal Semen Analysis.
- Over 85% of men whose partners had recurrent miscarriages showed high sperm DNA damage, regardless of whether conception occurred naturally or through fertility treatments.
The Extend® test: A Critical Tool for Diagnosis
Research shows that double-stranded DNA breaks (dsDB) in sperm are strongly associated with recurrent miscarriage, as they are harder to repair and can disrupt embryo development.
The Extend test is specifically designed to measure dsDB, providing essential insights for couples facing recurrent pregnancy loss.
Why Choose Extend?
- Focuses exclusively on severe dsDB damage.
- Helps assess the male factor’s risk and guides the most effective treatment plan.
- Helps your fertility consultant, andrologist or urologist assess the male factor risks and guide the most effective treatment plan.
- Extend provides actionable insights, helping you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Early detection of sperm DNA damage is crucial for improving fertility outcomes. Extend provides actionable insights, helping you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Don’t wait for answers.
Book the Extend® test today to uncover the hidden factors affecting your fertility and take the first step toward a healthy pregnancy.
Fast, reliable, and ISO-accredited testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Medical Research
- Çayan S, Farkouh A, Agarwal A, Atmoko W, Wyns C, Arafa M, Zini A, Shah R, Alipour H, Chung E, Saleh R, Pinggera GM, Konstantinidis C, Al Hashimi M, Pescatori E, Rambhatla A, Toprak T, Calogero AE, Gül M, Park HJ, Altay B, Falcone M, Rashed A, Le TV, Bahar F, Shatylko T, Görür S, El-Sakka AI, Saylam B, Sarikaya S, Smith RP, Boeri L, Efesoy O, Ceyhan E, Russo GI, Ozer C, Ho CC, Gungor ND, Özlü DN, Molina JM, Musa MU, Tsujimura A, Gokalp F, Mohamed MS, Okada K, Khalafalla K, Kuroda S, Binsaleh S, Motawi AT, Shamohammadi I, Mogharabian N, Manh MT, Taha EA, Makarounis K, Mak SK, Shedeed SA, Thomas C, Mostafa T. Global Andrology Forum Clinical Guidelines on the Relevance of Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Reproductive Medicine. World J Mens Health. 2025 Apr;43:e21. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250005 ↩︎
- Drakeley A, Lunt RL, Newton E, et al. Double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation assessed using Comet assay is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105184. ↩︎
- Ribas-Maynou J, García-Peiró A, Encinas AF, et al. Double-stranded sperm DNA breaks, measured by Comet assay, are associated with unexplained recurrent miscarriage in couples without a female factor. PLoS ONE. 2012;7:e44679. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044679. PMID: 23028579; PMCID: PMC3444447. ↩︎