Skip to main content
Thérapie Fertility Logo

4.7

265 Google reviews

Patient centered care

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Assessing fertility potential

A sperm DNA fragmentation test looks at the DNA within the sperm cell to see whether there is any damage that may be affecting fertility. It is a more detailed test than semen analysis and can provide helpful information when sperm quality needs to be better understood.

This test may be recommended if there has been unexplained infertility, repeated miscarriage, or difficulty with fertilisation in previous treatment. It can help our doctors build a clearer picture of sperm health and guide you towards the most appropriate next steps.

The sample is given in the same way as a semen sample, through masturbation in a private sample room at our clinic. If you book a sperm DNA fragmentation test, the cost of a semen analysis is included, and both tests are performed at the same time.

Pricing

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

€450

What is sperm DNA fragmentation?

Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to damage or breaks in the DNA carried inside sperm cells. DNA carries important genetic information, and assessing its integrity can help us understand whether sperm factors may be contributing to fertility challenges.

A semen analysis looks at sperm count, motility and morphology, which means how many sperm are present, how they move and what they look like. A sperm DNA fragmentation test goes one step further by looking at the DNA within the sperm cell.

This test does not replace semen analysis. It provides additional information when our team feel that a more detailed investigation may be useful.

Understanding more about sperm DNA fragmentation

with our Medical Director Dr. John

A sperm DNA fragmentation test may be recommended when we need more information about sperm health than a semen analysis can provide. This can be helpful if fertility challenges remain unexplained, or if there has been repeated miscarriage or previous difficulty with fertilisation.

The sperm DNA fragmentation process

  • 01

    Consultation and history

    Your testing journey starts with a free consultation with one of our fertility nurses. We will talk through your medical history, lifestyle, previous results, fertility goals and any questions or concerns you may have.

    This helps us understand whether sperm DNA fragmentation testing may be useful for you. If you have recent results from another clinic, we can review them where clinically suitable before recommending further tests.

  • 02

    Sample and lab testing

    The sample is provided through masturbation in a private sample room at our clinic. This is the same process used for semen analysis.

    Your sample will be tested for semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation. The DNA fragmentation part of the test is completed by an off-site laboratory, so results may take a little longer to come back than semen analysis results. Our team will explain the process clearly before your appointment, including any preparation instructions.

  • 03

    Results and next steps

    Once your results are available, they will be shared with you through your patient portal. Your test results will be explained in more detail at your medical consultation with one of our fertility specialists.

    Your results may help guide next steps such as lifestyle changes, further testing, IVF, ICSI or, in some cases, surgical sperm retrieval. You may also decide not to proceed with treatment right now. Either way, you will have clearer information to help you make informed decisions.

What our patients say

  • Niamh Smith
    a week ago

    Myself and my husband had been attending Thérapie Fertility after some difficulty in trying to conceive. We both had testing done in the most professional way and we were…

    Google Review
  • Sarah Moloney
    a week ago

    Amazing care every step of the way, personable and thoroughly professional. Every step was explained simply and with warmth. We always felt like we knew what was happenin…

    Google Review
  • Leah Fitzgerald
    a week ago

    I honestly couldn’t recommend Thérapie Fertility Clinic in Carrickmines enough. Every single person I’ve met has been so lovely, supportive and reassuring throughout the …

    Google Review
  • Oladapo Temitope Rasheedat
    2 weeks ago

    My sessions with Thérapie fertility have been an essential part of my fertility journey. From our very first appointment, they created a safe, warm, and completely non-ju…

    Google Review
  • Faith Bohan
    2 weeks ago

    I cannot recommend this place enough, the staff, cleanliness, atmosphere and making you feel so comfortable! Lauren was/is my nurse my treatment is ongoing , she is absol…

    Google Review
  • Tanya Rowe
    2 weeks ago

    Felt very comfortable the minute you walked in, all staff are so friendly, provided a great service, great location found it very easy to get too 😀

    Google Review
  • Jesline Nyilongo
    3 weeks ago

    We were warmly welcomed by an amazing receptionist who escorted us to the nurse’s office for consultation. Nurse Amy explained the whole process and suggestions we can op…

    Google Review
  • Megan O Shea
    3 weeks ago

    From our first consults to having our transfer Monday every thing was so smooth , the communication between everyone , the information we received the car we recieved for…

    Google Review
  • Tara Sweeney
    3 weeks ago

    Me and my partner went for a consultation and it was absolutely amazing we had met Lauren and she was wonderful.

    Google Review
  • Romina Artola
    3 weeks ago

    My partner and I were starting our family planning and we decided to consult with the doctors at Therapie Fertility. We had such an amazing smooth experience. All the sta…

    Google Review
  • Stacey Dineen
    4 weeks ago

    My husband and I are currently in the middle of our IVF journey with Thérapie fertility after struggling for years to conceive. I had my egg retrieval with them last Wedn…

    Google Review
  • Nadine Walsh
    a month ago

    Nurse Lauren in the Limerick branch filled me with confidence from the second I walked in. I am so grateful for her taking all of the time to explain everything so carefu…

    Google Review
View all reviews

Fertility care with you in mind

Watch more stories

Your Sperm DNA Fragmentation questions answered

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often about sperm DNA fragmentation at Thérapie Fertility.

  • Yes. You can have testing without starting treatment. Some men choose testing to better understand sperm health before deciding on the next steps. Your results can help you make more informed decisions, whether or not you proceed with treatment right away.

  • Sperm DNA fragmentation may be relevant when planning fertility treatment. Depending on your results and wider fertility picture, our doctors may discuss whether IVF, ICSI or further testing could be suitable. Your results will always be reviewed alongside your full medical history and any partner test results.

  • In some cases, sperm health can improve over time, particularly where lifestyle factors, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol, diet or general health may be contributing. Sperm production takes time, so changes may take a few months to be reflected in results.

  • Some lifestyle changes may support sperm health and, in some cases, reduce sperm DNA fragmentation. This can include avoiding smoking, reducing binge drinking, avoiding steroid use, limiting heat exposure, eating a balanced diet, supporting a healthy weight and managing stress. Our doctors will guide you on what may be most relevant for your situation.

  • The sperm DNA fragmentation test is performed by an off-site laboratory, so results may take a little longer than those from a semen analysis. Our team will let you know when to expect your results and will explain them clearly once they are available.

View all Sperm DNA Fragmentation questions

Ready to talk it through?Book a free consultation

  • No waitlist
  • Clinical experts
  • Transparent pricing