Hi,
My husband and I will be starting IVF process in December. We have done 3 IUI's with no success. We just found out my husband has a high level of DNA fragmentation in his sperm. I was wondering if anyone else has had this and if it is still possible to get pregnant with IVF?
DNA Fragmentation
Ert
After 2 failed attempts at IVF they tested my husband for DNA fragmentation. His test came back normal. I think it depends on the fragmented the DNA is, but I'm sorry it is possible that you won't be able to get pregnant with his sperm. However, I don't think the doctor would have talked to you about doing IVF if it was too fragmented and you couldn't get pregnant. Best wishes.
After 2 failed attempts at IVF they tested my husband for DNA fragmentation. His test came back normal. I think it depends on the fragmented the DNA is, but I'm sorry it is possible that you won't be able to get pregnant with his sperm. However, I don't think the doctor would have talked to you about doing IVF if it was too fragmented and you couldn't get pregnant. Best wishes.
IVF # 1 Chem preg Beta #1 49 Beta # 2 33
IVF # 2 Chem preg Beta #1 9 Beta #2 22 Beta #3 168
IVF # 3 BFP!! 1st beta - 565 2nd 995 3rd 9,269 It's TWINS!!!!
[img]http://bd.lilypie.com/WJKcm4/.png[/img]
IVF # 2 Chem preg Beta #1 9 Beta #2 22 Beta #3 168
IVF # 3 BFP!! 1st beta - 565 2nd 995 3rd 9,269 It's TWINS!!!!
[img]http://bd.lilypie.com/WJKcm4/.png[/img]
Ert,
Don't be too discouraged by an ambiguous diagnosis of "high DNA fragmentation". We too have this problem, but both our new doctor and our urologist don't put much faith in the DNA fragmentation tests. They are not very reliable and the level of DNA fragmentation can vary widely over time. Our doctor told us that whenever you have abnormal sperm parameters, the DNA fragmentation level is also going to be higher (it's a "duh" factor, so why even test). However, there are a variety of factors that influence fragmentation and therefore liftestyle changes that can be made to try and improve the levels. E.g., antioxident vitamins, healthy eating, varicocele repair. There are some good articles out there that list the known factors that cause sperm DNA fragmentation. The good news is that sperm have a lifespan of 75-90 days so the next ones may be healthier! My DH had the varicocele repair a few months ago and we are eating healthier and taking vitamins to prepare for our next IVF cycle.
Good luck!
Don't be too discouraged by an ambiguous diagnosis of "high DNA fragmentation". We too have this problem, but both our new doctor and our urologist don't put much faith in the DNA fragmentation tests. They are not very reliable and the level of DNA fragmentation can vary widely over time. Our doctor told us that whenever you have abnormal sperm parameters, the DNA fragmentation level is also going to be higher (it's a "duh" factor, so why even test). However, there are a variety of factors that influence fragmentation and therefore liftestyle changes that can be made to try and improve the levels. E.g., antioxident vitamins, healthy eating, varicocele repair. There are some good articles out there that list the known factors that cause sperm DNA fragmentation. The good news is that sperm have a lifespan of 75-90 days so the next ones may be healthier! My DH had the varicocele repair a few months ago and we are eating healthier and taking vitamins to prepare for our next IVF cycle.
Good luck!
How do they find out about the DNA? My Dr suggested my husband getting a DNA test done on his sperm to find out if he is the problem. My husband has a early form of cancer and they are trying to figure out if that could be effecting his sperm. They told us it would cost around $1000.00, so we aren't sure if it will give us any answers. Is the test worth it?
Jilltine,
I'm so sorry to hear about your DH that has to be a lot to deal with on top of everything else. My DH had both a SKIT test (tests for DNA fragmentation) and an aneuploidy test (tests for the right # of chromosones). Both tests are very expensive. My 1st Dr had us get both even though our urologist thought they were a waste of money and aren't very reliable. We have a new doctor now that said he probably would not have recommended the tests because we would have to do IVF with ICSI no matter what and the tests don't tell you anything you don't already know. Also, there is currently no way to pick the unfragmented sperm to use with IVF. So, in hindsight, the tests may not have been necessary. However, on the flip side, we did find out DH has high fragmentation and have altered our lifestlyle somewhat because of it. I'm not sure if this helps answer your question or not.
I'm so sorry to hear about your DH that has to be a lot to deal with on top of everything else. My DH had both a SKIT test (tests for DNA fragmentation) and an aneuploidy test (tests for the right # of chromosones). Both tests are very expensive. My 1st Dr had us get both even though our urologist thought they were a waste of money and aren't very reliable. We have a new doctor now that said he probably would not have recommended the tests because we would have to do IVF with ICSI no matter what and the tests don't tell you anything you don't already know. Also, there is currently no way to pick the unfragmented sperm to use with IVF. So, in hindsight, the tests may not have been necessary. However, on the flip side, we did find out DH has high fragmentation and have altered our lifestlyle somewhat because of it. I'm not sure if this helps answer your question or not.
RBJean
---------------
Me 32 DH 33
MFI
IVF #1-4 (BFN)
dIUI - #1 BFP, M/C at 6.5 weeks; dIUI #2,3 = BFN
IVF #5 (DS) - BFP??
---------------
Me 32 DH 33
MFI
IVF #1-4 (BFN)
dIUI - #1 BFP, M/C at 6.5 weeks; dIUI #2,3 = BFN
IVF #5 (DS) - BFP??