Men and Miscarriage

Around a quarter of all couples will experience the heartache of miscarriage at some time.

High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation have been shown to double the likelihood of a miscarriage occurring.

While many of these will be a single sporadic event, some couples will suffer repeated – or recurrent – miscarriages. Recurrent miscarriage can be caused by several factors including abnormal chromosomes in the foetus, female hormonal problems or issues with the woman’s womb. Another significant factor in recurrent miscarriage is the quality of the man’s sperm DNA.

Men and Miscarriage

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Sperm DNA is the most important part of the sperm. It contains the genetic instructions that make a baby look and act like its parents.

Sperm DNA can be damaged during sperm production and transport. This damage is known as DNA fragmentation. High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation have been shown to double the likelihood of a miscarriage occurring (Source – Men and Miscarriage Research)

Examen’s research shows that sperm from men whose partners have a history of miscarriage have higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than sperm from those whose partners deliver healthy babies.

We have observed high sperm DNA damage in over 85% of men whose partners had recurrent miscarriages. This was true for couples who conceived naturally as well as those who conceived with fertility treatment.

Sperm DNA fragmentation can be affected by things like stress, smoking, recreational drugs, obesity and other avoidable lifestyle factors. Men can make simple lifestyle changes to improve the quality of their sperm DNA. They can reduce their sperm oxidative stress levels by making healthier choices such as eating a better diet, taking more exercise, reducing weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and keeping their testes cool.

Exact Miscarriage Test - Powered by SpermComet® Technology

Exact Miscarriage Test Logo

The Exact range of tests are Examen’s market leading sperm DNA fragmentation tests, using SpermComet® technology.

Exact tests measure the actual DNA damage in individual sperm making them the most sensitive sperm DNA fragmentation tests available.

Our Exact Miscarriage test is highly predictive of male involvement in miscarriage, enabling healthcare professionals to provide diagnoses and guidance for future pathways to couples who have experienced sporadic and recurrent miscarriage.

They can provide couples with a history of miscarriage with important information, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future pathways to starting their family.

Supporting miscarriage research

We are delighted to be working with the Tommy’s National Miscarriage Centre to further our understanding of the link between sperm DNA fragmentation and miscarriage. For more information click here.



Learn about the test



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