How to find out whether the genetic material in the sperm cells is satisfactorily packed?
It is important that the sperm cell reaches the egg and fertilises it while the genetic material is still safe and sound. It is therefore important to find out whether the genetic material has been satisfactorily packaged and, thus, protected against DNA fragmentation.
The SCSA® analysis examines the packaging of the genetic material in sperm cells. The outcome of the analysis, a DFI value, will tell you the quality of the packaging. The analysis will provide you with a solid foundation for decision-making as to further treatment procedures. Having the SCSA® analysis performed prior to initiating any fertility treatment, will give you the best basis for making use of the result. This means that, right from the beginning, you will be in a position to choose the most optimal treatment, thus saving time and money. Moreover, you will also be spared unnecessary disappointment.
In short, the SCSA® analysis result can be described as follows:
DFI below 15
The packaging of the genetic material in the sperm cells is good. This is not where you will find the cause of your infertility.
DFI between 15 and 25
The packaging of the genetic material in the sperm cells is acceptable, but, with normal intercourse and IUI treatment (treatment with insemination), a reduced fertility should be expected.
DFI between 25 and 50
The packaging of the genetic material is poor. In general, it will not be feasible to obtain the wished-for child – neither by natural means nor by way of IUI treatment.
Through ICSI treatment (microinsemination) the sperm cell will not have to spend energy on fertilising the egg. And hence, ICSI treatment will be preferable to IVF treatment (in vitro fertilisation).
DFI above 50
The packaging of the genetic material is very poor. The only fertility treatment actually representing a potential for providing you with the much wished-for child will be the ICSI treatment. However, even with ICSI treatment, a successful outcome may be hard to obtain. ICSI treatment in combination with the harvesting of sperm cells directly from the scrotum (TESA, Greco et al. 2005, Wertmann et al. 2010) may perhaps be considered.
Try to find the reason for an increased DFI value
For any DFI value above 15, it would be a good idea if you try to find out what causes the increased value by subjecting the man to further examination. If your DFI value is above 15, the result of your analysis will be accompanied by a suggestion with respect to the factors that may be responsible for the increased DFI. Any further examination should take place in cooperation with your GP or a fertility specialist. The production of new sperm cells takes approximately three months. Hence, when the cause has been determined and treated, an improvement in the packaging of the genetic material in sperm cells can, in some cases, be seen after a three-month period. If the DFI value is reduced, your prospects for having a child will improve.
Learn more about factors that may influence the genetic material in sperm cells.