A semen analysis won’t detect crucial sperm DNA issues, but these tests can – and they could explain your fertility struggles

Why a sperm DNA fragmentation test could matter – even if his semen analysis says he is “normal”

Whether you’re just starting out on your fertility journey or you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, chances are you’ll have heard of the semen analysis test.

Maybe your partner has already had one. And maybe you were told everything was “normal.” Yep, it’s a phrase many female partners hear early on and, understandably, it can bring a degree of relief. 

But here’s the thing. Once that test comes back normal, attention usually shifts entirely to you. The male side often doesn’t get looked at again. And if it does, that might not be until after fertility treatments have been tried and failed, usually (if we’re being honest) at high financial and emotional cost.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (hidden damage in the sperm’s DNA) isn’t detected by a regular semen analysis, and could be a missing piece of your puzzle. With new research showing it affects far more men than previously thought, it’s something worth considering early on in your family-building journey, and not just as a last resort. 

We’re excited to hear that top fertility clinics across the UK are working with Examen, a world leader in male fertility testing, to help couples like you get answers sooner.

Examen’s male fertility tests are the result of over 25 years of research into the effects of sperm DNA fragmentation on male fertility, and they have been providing their tests to top fertility clinics for the last 15 years. In June 2025, their latest advanced test was the winner of the Diagnostic Excellence category at the Life Sciences Industry Awards – and for good reason. 

In partnership with their expert team, we’re breaking down exactly what a sperm DNA fragmentation test is, when and why it’s important, and how Examen’s advanced tests can help you and your male partner make better informed choices.

Let’s get into it.

What does a semen analysis actually measure?

Let’s start with the three main things you get from the standard semen analysis test:

1. Sperm count (how many there are)
2. Motility (how well they swim)
3. Morphology (how “normal” their shape is)

Now, these parameters are all useful and helpful in their own right, but none of them tells you whether the DNA inside each sperm cell is actually of good quality.

This is important because sperm DNA plays such a crucial role in fertilisation, embryo development, and whether the pregnancy continues. This makes total sense when you think about it – the sperm provides 50% of your baby’s blueprint!

So why isn’t sperm DNA fragmentation testing included in a standard semen analysis? Well in essence, it’s a completely different type of test:

• It is more complex
• It requires different specialist lab skills to do it accurately
• It detects and quantifies something the semen analysis test just doesn’t do 

And while research has repeatedly shown links between sperm DNA fragmentation and infertility or miscarriage, this type of test is currently considered a fertility treatment ‘add-on’ in the UK and so is not routinely offered.

To complicate things further, there are a few different types of DNA fragmentation tests – some directly measure the actual DNA damage, others simply measure a proxy indicator for the actual damage. Consequently, some tests are more accurate than others, but the fertility field hasn’t yet reached consensus on which of them they prefer.

The upshot here? Many couples are left in limbo, unaware this test even exists, or at least only hearing about it after already having undergone other fertility treatments.

The study that changed the conversation

Earlier this year, a ground-breaking study on recurrent pregnancy loss was presented at the Fertility 2025 conference in Liverpool and awarded the prestigious Iwan Lewis-Jones Memorial Prize by the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS). 

The findings of the study are currently being peer reviewed, but the results were clear:

• a staggering 7 out of 10 men with completely normal semen analysis results in this miscarriage study were found to have high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation
  

This is a real reminder that sperm that grade as “normal” on the semen analysis test may not be functioning as they should – and that male partners and couples alike deserve better information about his fertility profile, earlier on.

What is a sperm DNA fragmentation test – and how is it done?

A sperm DNA fragmentation test looks at whether the genetic material inside sperm cells is broken or damaged. This DNA fragmentation damage comes in two forms:

• Single-stranded DNA breaks (ssSDF) – These are more common and often linked to lifestyle, environment, or underlying medical issues. They can often be improved with targeted changes or treatment – check out Examen’s handy overview here.
• Double-stranded DNA breaks (dsSDF) – These are harder to fix. Only the female egg can repair this kind of damage, and that ability decreases as a woman gets older, so when it comes to this kind of result, ‘the sooner you know the better’ is the key takeaway. 

How is a sperm DNA fragmentation test done? The good news is that, as with a standard semen analysis, taking this test is also simple, involving just providing a semen sample, which is then sent away for testing.

Who should consider getting a sperm DNA fragmentation test?

This test really isn’t just for couples who’ve “tried everything.” In fact, it can (and often should) be one of the most important early steps on your fertility journey, especially if you’re:

• trying to conceive for 6+ months with no clear female factor and a “normal” semen analysis result
• diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” (a frustrating label that, let’s be honest, probably wouldn’t be acceptable in any other area of medicine)
• a female partner aged 35 or older, with no female factor previously identified
• experiencing recurrent miscarriage (two or more)
• going through IVF or ICSI that hasn’t worked, even when everything looked “normal” on paper

Discover Examen’s Exact® Test – the sperm DNA fragmentation test you need to know about

We’ve already mentioned that there are a few different types of sperm DNA tests out there, but not all of them are created equal.

Examen’s tests directly measure sperm DNA fragmentation damage (not a proxy for it), providing a clear and detailed view of the true quality of your sperm.

In independent, peer-reviewed studies, Examen’s test has been shown to be the most effective overall at distinguishing between sperm with and without DNA damage, thanks to its combination of high sensitivity and high specificity. This means it’s able to detect real cases of DNA damage accurately, while avoiding false alarms, giving clinicians a clearer picture than any other test of its kind.

It’s no surprise that over 80% of the top private fertility clinics in the UK and Ireland use Examen’s tests – a reflection of the trust it has earned from leading fertility specialists.

Examen’s Exact test detects total SDF damage (both ssSDF and dsSDF), giving a comprehensive view of sperm quality and helping doctors make more personalised treatment recommendations.

Struggling to stay pregnant? Ask your clinic about Examen’s Extend® Test

If you’ve already experienced unsuccessful fertility treatment or suffered pregnancy losses, Examen’s Extend test goes even further. It is the only test out there that offers exclusive insight into the more complex double-stranded sperm DNA damage.

The Extend Test is particularly helpful for: 

• couples who feel they’ve run out of answers after experiencing recurrent early pregnancy loss, or failed IVF/ICSI cycles
• couples seeking additional insight into their chances of success before planning a(nother) cycle of fertility treatment
• male partners who are being considered for surgical sperm retrieval procedures – because a high Extend score can indicate fundamental sperm production problems which could mean that using SSR sperm in ICSI is less likely to be successful

How much does a sperm DNA fragmentation test cost in the UK?

While prices vary slightly by clinic, Examen’s Exact sperm DNA fragmentation test is typically around 2 to 3 times the cost of the standard semen analysis test – and much less than 10% of the average total cost for one round of IVF for a heterosexual couple. 

Put this way, it’s a relatively small investment that could help save you from unnecessary treatments, wasted time, and emotional strain, and which can provide new information to help you more effectively tailor your fertility care.

The bottom line? You don’t need to wait to check out a key piece of your fertility puzzle

Fertility issues aren’t always obvious, and a “normal” semen analysis just doesn’t reveal what is happening at the DNA level. 

So if you’re just starting out or have been trying with no luck, it’s worth asking whether hidden sperm DNA damage could be the missing link.

Ask your clinic or fertility specialist about Examen’s sperm DNA fragmentation tests – and if you’re not currently with a clinic, or have a GP referral, you can book your test directly with one of their Partner Hubs.

Want to learn more, or connect with the Examen team? Hop over to their website, register to receive their latest news and updates, and find out whether your local clinic is offering their advanced tests.