What can be done to reduce DNA fragmentation in sperm?
Your doctor can diagnose and treat you for:
Leukospermia: Sperm contains white blood cells (leukocytes). These cells can release oxidative substances (ROS = reactive oxygen species), which fragment DNA from the sperm nucleus.
Diabetes: In the early stages of diabetes, high insulin levels can cause DNA fragmentation.
Varicocele: Varicose veins in the testicles reduce blood flow and prevent temperature regulation
inside the scrotum.
What can you do?
Temperature: The normal temperature in the scrotum is 33.3 ºC (91.4 F). The temperature can be raised by several factors. Just sitting for more than 6 hours a day, or wearing tight-fitting clothes, is enough to raise the scrotal temperature. Do not hold the laptop in your arms and do not start heating the car seat. Very hot baths should be avoided or be short-lived.
Fever caused by the flu or other diseases can fragment DNA into sperm.
Smoking: Smoking causes ROS, resulting in DNA fragmentation.
Obesity: Excessive weight reduces sperm volume and increases the level of DNA fragmentation. Try to lose weight if you have a body mass index (BMI) over 25.
Medication: Recent studies confirm that a number of drugs can cause DNA fragmentation. Do not forget to tell your doctor if you are taking any type of medication.
Factors difficult to modify:
Age: DNA fragmentation increases with age. The fact that you have children conceived at the beginning of the marriage is not a guarantee that you do not have a problem
related to DNA fragmentation today.
Environment: Air pollution, pesticides and a number of other chemicals can cause DNA fragmentation. It is important to take safety and protective measures when working with pesticides or other chemicals. Fruits and vegetables should be washed carefully before consumption.
Can DNA fragmentation be reduced after treatment?
If you are being treated by a doctor or if you have taken steps to reduce DNA fragmentation yourself, it may take more than 3 months for a reduction to occur. This is because the formation of sperm cells takes about 3 months. But there is a real benefit: reducing DNA fragmentation will increase your partner’s chances of having a successful pregnancy.