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Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Meaning

A condition characterized by the presence of damage, breaks, or lesions in the genetic material (DNA) contained within the head of the sperm cell. High levels of fragmentation indicate poor sperm quality, which can be caused by oxidative stress, infection, or environmental toxins. Clinically, elevated Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) is a significant factor contributing to male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and poor outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Assessing SDF provides a critical measure of the functional integrity of the male gamete beyond standard semen analysis.