Understanding your SDF Test Results
Exact & ExactFocus Report Overview
- Low sperm DNA fragmentation means the quality of the sperm is good
- Medium sperm DNA fragmentation means the quality of sperm is moderate
- High sperm DNA fragmentation means the quality of sperm is poor
Average Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) score
An Average SDF score from 0%-31% is within the fertile range, whereas a score greater than 31% is outside the fertile range and has an increased risk of infertility.
% DNA Fragmentation Category
The split of your sample between each DNA fragmentation category can be directly compared to that of a typical fertile male, providing further insight into how the DNA fragmentation is distributed in your sample.
Your DNA Fragmentation Distribution
The DNA Fragmentation Distribution histogram provides a more comprehensive view of the distribution of damage across your sample.
The width of each of the columns shows the extent of the SDF damage category (e.g. 20-25% damaged) and the height of each column shows the proportion(%) of your sample that has that damage extent.
Additionally, the profile of a typical fertile male is also shown superimposed onto your results so you can see how your SDF damage distribution compares.
Can you improve an abnormal result?
Badly damaged sperm DNA is sometimes associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, recreational drug use, anabolic steroid use, and a poor diet. It may also indicate a medical issue, such as a varicocele (varicose vein on the scrotum) or infection.
Visit the following link for more information on how to improve your sperm quality.
Extend & ExtendFocus Report Overview
- Low levels of sperm double-stranded DNA fragmentation mean the quality of sperm is good
- Medium levels of sperm double-stranded DNA fragmentation mean the quality of sperm is moderate
- High levels of sperm double-stranded DNA fragmentation mean the quality of sperm is poor
Average Sperm Double Stranded DNA Fragmentation (SDF) score
An Average Double Stranded SDF score between 0% to 6% is within the fertile range, whereas a score greater than 6% is outside this range and has an increased risk of infertility.
Your DNA Fragmentation Category versus a typical fertile male
The split of your sample between each DNA fragmentation category can be directly compared to that of a typical fertile male, providing further insight into how the DNA fragmentation is distributed within your sample.
Can an abnormal result be improved?
Double-strand DNA break (dsDB) damage is thought to occur largely as a result of errors during the process of sperm creation. However, there is some evidence to suggest lifestyle factors such as caffeine intake are associated with higher levels of dsDB damage in sperm*.
Your fertility expert will be able to discuss available solutions with you, such as sperm selection techniques, genetic testing of embryos, or, where appropriate, donor sperm.
* T.E. Schmid, B. Eskenazi, A. Baumgartner, F. Marchetti, S. Young, R. Weldon, D. Anderson, A.J. Wyrobek, The effects of male age on sperm DNA damage in healthy non-smokers, Human Reproduction, Volume 22, Issue 1, 1 January 2007, Pages 180–187, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del338