Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation as causes of recurrent pregnancy loss

Objectives: To evaluate and compare standard sperm parameters, and sperm DNA fragmentation in seminal ejaculates from men whose partners had a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and in a control group of men who had recently established their fertility. Methods: Semen samples from 31 patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and 20 men with proven fertility were analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Results: When sperm quality of the control group was compared with that of the RPL group, a significant difference was observed in sperm motility, but not in other parameters. The mean number of sperm cells with fragmented DNA was significantly increased in the RPL group (32.22 ± 6.14%) compared with control donors (10.20 ± 2.1%). Conclusions: Our data indicate that sperm from men with a history of RPL have a higher incidence of DNA damage and poor motility than sperm from a control group, and this can explain in part the pregnancy loss in these patients. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.