Correlation between Lifestyle Factors and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Men

Gurbani Kaur Arora, Kundavi Shankar, Yamini Asokan, Geetha V., Rashmi G. V, Nithya Naaram, Hema Niveda KR

Abstract: Background The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is regarded as an important tool but its role in evaluating male infertility still remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) with semen parameters and lifestyle patterns. Methods In our retrospective study which was conducted at the Institute of Reproductive medicine and women health, Madras medical mission, Chennai from 2019-2023, 120 males with subfertility undergoing treatment were included. DFI was measured using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay (SCD) and based on the results they were divided into 3 groups Low-DFI 15, medium DFI-15 DFI 30 and high DFI 30. The correlation between DFI and semen parameters were analysed using Spearmans rank correlation coefficient. Results In the correlation analysis, DFI showed significant positive correlation with age (p0.001) and negative correlation with semen parameters like semen volume (p.0.010), rapid progressive motility (p0.002) and total motile sperm count (p0.004). Lifestyle characteristics like body mass index, smoking, consumption of alcohol, diabetes and hypertension showed no significant correlation with DFI. Conclusions The results indicate a significant relationship between SDF and routine semen parameters, suggesting the inclusion of DNA fragmentation index assessments in male infertility evaluations.

Keywords: Effectiveness, structured teaching program, oral health, tobacco, adolescent