Sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with apoptosis, which is programmed cell death. When sperm DNA becomes damaged or "broken," this can affect the quality of the resulting embryos.
High levels of DNA fragmentation have been associated with:

• reduced chance of fertilization,

• delayed or insufficient development of embryos,

• increased risk of miscarriage.

In other words, the embryo may be fertilized initially, but has difficulty developing into a healthy pregnancy.

What is considered normal?

• When up to 15% of the sperm in the sample show DNA fragmentation, the sperm is considered to have good reproductive potential, with a high chance of creating healthy embryos.

• As this percentage increases, the chances of a successful pregnancy decrease.

• Fragmentation rates above 29% are often associated with lower embryo quality and reduced chances of implantation or successful pregnancy development.