Fertility Decoded

Sperm DNA fragmentation test

A test of DNA damage in sperm.

Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.

The verdict

Evidence unclear; limited routine clinical value.

Who are these bodies?

HFEA
— UK fertility regulator; rates add-ons by evidence (traffic-light).
ESHRE
— European fertility society; evidence-based practice guidance.
NICE
— UK health-guidance body; what the NHS will and won't fund.
ISAR
— Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction; Indian expert consensus.
Cochrane
— Independent global reviewers of the underlying studies.

  • HFEA

    UK regulator

    Not on HFEA's rated list — chance of a baby
    Source

  • ESHRE

    European society

    Not for routine use

    Not recommended for routine clinical use (low-quality, high variability; no way to identify a fragmentation-free sperm for ICSI).

    Source

  • NICE

    UK NHS guidance

    Not addressed

    Not addressed in NG257.

  • ISAR

    Indian society

    Not routine; indicated in specific cases

    Not a routine test for all patients; a recommended indication for ICSI failure and male age over 40; a possible indication for repeated IUI/IVF failure and adverse lifestyle.

    Source

  • Cochrane

    Evidence base

    No Cochrane review identified specifically for this add-on.

Typical cost in India

Charged as an add-on test; varies by clinic.

Sources

Take this further

Sources last reviewed .