Male Fertility Tests: Find the Right Test for your Fertility Journey
Why Sperm DNA Testing Matters
Male infertility is the main cause in around a quarter of infertility cases and plays a role in about half of them overall. One of the most important factors that can affect your chances of conception or IVF success is sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) damage. Examen specialises in sperm DNA fragmentation tests (SDF tests) to help couples overcome male fertility challenges.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) Testing
Understanding Sperm DNA Quality
Trying to Conceive for more than a year? – Exact®
If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than 12 months, and especially if the semen analysis (SA) result was ‘normal’, checking the sperm DNA is the logical next step.
Research has shown that high Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) is associated with lower chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. This SDF damage is the single biggest factor causing male infertility beyond the basic SA metrics.
Exact is one of Examen’s leading SDF tests that measures the total level of sperm DNA fragmentation, a key factor in male fertility.
Experienced Miscarriage or Failed Fertility Treatment? – Extend®
If you’ve experienced two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages), or if you have had unsuccessful Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment, you should consider investigating the most challenging type of SDF damage – double-stranded SDF (dsSDF).
High levels of dsSDF damage can more than double the risk of miscarriage and can help predict the probability of a successful live birth before IVF.
Extend is a specialised sperm DNA fragmentation test designed to detect double-strand DNA damage.
Semen Analysis
Your first step in Male Fertility Testing
The usual first step for any man checking his fertility is the standard semen analysis (SA) test which measures the basic sperm characteristics that are known to influence conception – the number of sperm (count/concentration), how they move (motility & progressive motility), and their size and shape (morphology).
While semen analysis is a common starting point, it doesn’t measure sperm DNA fragmentation. This means that men with a ‘normal’ SA test result can be unaware that sperm DNA damage can be present and affecting their chances of success. This is why Examen’s male fertility tests are essential for deeper insights.
Find Your Nearest Testing Hub
Examen offers male fertility testing in Belfast and through Hubs and Partner Clinics across the UK and Ireland.
Fast, reliable, and ISO-accredited testing.
Key Facts about Male Fertility
Male infertility is the leading reason couples seek IVF treatment.
Sperm DNA damage is one of the most important factors causing male infertility.
High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation damage is associated with a greater risk of miscarriage.
66% of men in a recent recurrent miscarriage study had a ‘normal’ semen analysis – but over half of them had high dsSDF.