When we talk about fertility, conversations often focus on women. But did you know that male factors contribute to around 50% of infertility cases?

To better understand awareness around male fertility testing, we recently ran a poll in collaboration with The Ribbon Box  – and the results were eye-opening.

What We Asked

We wanted to learn more about:

• How many couples have only had Semen Analysis (SA) testing to determine male fertility
• Whether they knew what the SA test actually measures, and what it doesn’t measure
• How many had experienced 1 or more miscarriages
• Whether couples would consider investing in a more advanced test if it could explain unexplained infertility, miscarriages, or failed IVF attempts

What We Learned

Semen Analysis is the most common starting point

Over half of respondents said they had undergone a Semen Analysis (SA) test for male fertility investigation – the standard first-line test in male fertility assessments. It measures things like sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape).

However, many didn’t realise SA doesn’t test sperm DNA

Over half of respondents didn’t know that semen analysis tests can’t detect damage to the sperm’s DNA – and that damage can be a key reason behind recurrent miscarriage or failed IVF/ICSI cycles.

Over 75% had experienced at least one miscarriage

More than 3 in 4 respondents had experienced one or more miscarriages, and 1 in 7 had suffered five or more. These aren’t just numbers – they represent emotional journeys, repeated heartbreak, and the search for understanding.

People want answers – and see value in investing in better testing

Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents said they would absolutely consider a more advanced test if they knew sperm DNA damage was linked to poor outcomes in fertility treatment.

Science and clinic recommendations matter

When asked what would influence their decision to pursue a DNA fragmentation test, 75% said scientific evidence and/or a recommendation from their fertility clinic would be the deciding factors. Trust and expert guidance clearly play a central role in navigating next steps.

Why Sperm DNA Testing Matters

DNA fragmentation testing goes deeper into male fertility issues. It looks at the integrity of the genetic material carried in sperm – a critical factor in fertilisation, embryo development, and pregnancy success.

In fact, high levels of sperm DNA damage have been strongly associated with:

• Unexplained infertility
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• IVF and/or ICSI failure

And because it often goes undetected in standard SA testing, many couples are left without answers – and without clear next steps.

What This Means For You

If you or your partner are on a fertility journey and haven’t yet explored sperm DNA fragmentation testing, it may be worth a conversation with your clinic or specialist. It’s a small step that could provide big clarity – and potentially improve your treatment outcomes.

Want to learn more?

Examen have been providing the leading SDF tests used by 80% of the top UK & Ireland fertility clinics since 2011. You can explore our DNA fragmentation tests and how they fit into a broader picture of personalised fertility care by clicking here

• Trusted by the top UK and Ireland fertility clinics
• ISO 15189 & ISO 13485 accredited – independently assessed for diagnostic competence and quality
• Experts in advanced male fertility diagnostics since 2011