THE SIMPLE VERSION
Sometimes. Most sperm DNA damage is linked to wear and tear called oxidative stress, and the body makes new sperm all the time. Removing a cause, such as smoking, heat or an untreated varicocele, may lower fragmentation in the sperm made afterward. Changes take about three months to show.
Why sperm DNA fragmentation levels can change
Most sperm DNA damage is linked to oxidative stress. Think of it as wear and tear from unstable molecules that the body can’t fully neutralize.
Your body makes new sperm all the time. So reducing the causes of that stress can lower fragmentation in the sperm made afterward.1
Everyday factors linked to DNA fragmentation
- Smoking: linked to higher fragmentation. Stopping removes a major source of oxidative stress.
- Heat: frequent saunas, hot tubs or long periods of heat near the groin raise the temperature around the testicles.
- Weight: obesity has been linked to higher levels.
- Time between ejaculations: a shorter gap before giving a sample has been linked to lower fragmentation.1
Medical treatments that may lower DNA fragmentation
- Varicocele repair. A varicocele is a group of enlarged veins in the scrotum. In men with a clinically significant varicocele, repair has been linked to lower fragmentation in several studies.1
- Treating infection or inflammation in the reproductive tract.
- Antioxidant supplements. Some studies show lower fragmentation, but the effect on pregnancy rates is uncertain. Talk with a clinician before you start.1
Options in IVF when DNA fragmentation is high
When fragmentation is high, IVF clinics sometimes use special ways of selecting sperm. In some cases, they use sperm taken directly from the testicle, which tends to have less fragmentation.1
These are specialist decisions made case by case.
How long it takes to lower DNA fragmentation
Sperm take about three months to develop. So a change you make today shows up in sperm made over the following months.
If you retest, wait about three months and use the same method and lab. Our guide to reading your result explains why the method matters.
A urologist or fertility specialist can work out which causes apply to you and which treatments are worth trying.
Common questions about lowering DNA fragmentation
Do antioxidant supplements lower DNA fragmentation?
Some studies show lower fragmentation, but whether that leads to more pregnancies is uncertain. Talk with a clinician before starting supplements.1
How soon should I retest after making changes?
About three months, since that’s how long new sperm take to develop. Use the same method and lab as before.
Does ejaculating more often help?
A shorter time since the last ejaculation before giving a sample has been linked to lower fragmentation. Ask your clinician how long to wait before your test.1
SCIENTIFIC SOURCES
- Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Baskaran S, et al. Sperm DNA fragmentation: a new guideline for clinicians. World J Mens Health. 2020;38(4):412–471. doi:10.5534/wjmh.200128