Quick Read- The SpermComet DNA Damage Test is an advanced assessment that measures DNA damage within individual sperm cells, providing insight beyond a standard semen analysis.
- It is often recommended for men experiencing unexplained infertility, low IVF fertilisation rates, poor embryo development, or recurrent pregnancy loss.
- The test works using comet assay technology, where sperm DNA is analysed at a cellular level and damaged DNA appears as a “comet tail” under the microscope.
- Results can help identify hidden sperm DNA issues that may affect fertilisation success, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes, even when standard semen results appear normal.
- If high levels of DNA damage are found, clinicians may adjust treatment plans, such as recommending ICSI or lifestyle changes, to improve the chances of successful conception.
SpermComet
DNA damage to sperm is a potential cause of infertility. SpermComet is an additional test we can perform together with your semen analysis, which measures the amount of DNA damage in your sperm.
SpermComet testing may be advised by your Manchester Fertility consultant if you have:
- Low IVF fertilisation rates
- Poorly developed embryos
- Pregnancy loss
What Causes Male Infertility?
Male infertility can result from a range of factors, including:
- A reduced sperm count or the complete absence of sperm
- Poor sperm motility (sperm that do not move effectively)
- Abnormally shaped sperm
- Problems with ejaculation
- Testicular issues, including those related to surgery or illness
- Hormonal imbalances
The underlying causes vary widely. They can include conditions such as undescended testicles, the effects of certain medications or drug use, and cancer. Lifestyle factors including excessive alcohol use, smoking, and obesity may also contribute. In some instances, however, the cause of male infertility remains unknown.
Male infertility: How SpermComet helps
Sperm DNA levels
It is normal to have some level of sperm DNA damage, but excessive damage is where problems occur. SpermComet measures the amount of DNA damage in each individual sperm, for the most accurate result.
Beyond semen analysis
SpermComet reveals DNA problems which a standard semen analysis cannot identify. Sperm may be reported as normal even though there is a high level of sperm DNA damage. This damage has been associated with problems conceiving and failed fertility treatment.
Avoid unsuccessful IVF
If SpermComet shows high levels of DNA damage, you may be advised to opt for ICSI treatment instead of starting with IVF, reducing your chance of a failed cycle and improving chances of pregnancy. We will also advise lifestyle changes you can make to reduce DNA damage levels.
Our Male Fertility Experts
Mr Steve Bromage
Consultant Urological Surgeon and Subspecialist in Urological Cancer and Renal Disease
As a urological surgeon, Steve is the consultant you may see if you have male fertility issues. He performs Surgical Sperm Retrieval and is highly-skilled in microscopic surgery to ensure the best chance of success for intricate procedures such as vasectomy reversal.
Professor Vaibhav Modgil
Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist
Having joined the Northwest of England’s regional centre for male sexual and reproductive health (Andrology) Prof. Modgil is the highest volume infrapubic penile implant surgeon in the UK, and one of the highest volume Peyronie's disease surgeons in the UK.
FAQs
Your fertility consultant may recommend a SpermComet test if you have:
- Unexplained infertility
- Low fertilisation rates during IVF
- Poor embryo development
- Recurrent miscarriage
The test can identify hidden sperm DNA damage that may not appear in a standard semen analysis
The SpermComet test is an advanced laboratory test that measures the level of DNA damage in individual sperm cells. It analyses a semen sample and identifies breaks or fragmentation in the sperm’s genetic material, which can affect fertilisation, embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.
A standard semen analysis evaluates sperm count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology). The SpermComet test goes further by examining the integrity of the sperm’s DNA inside each cell. This means it can detect fertility issues that may be missed by conventional semen testing.
Several factors can increase DNA damage in sperm, including:
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity or poor diet
- Exposure to toxins or heat
- Ageing
- Medical conditions such as varicocele
- Oxidative stress
Identifying these factors can help guide treatment or lifestyle changes to improve sperm health.
The test requires a semen sample. In the laboratory, sperm cells are processed and exposed to an electric field. If DNA strands are broken, fragments move away from the nucleus, forming a visible “comet tail” under a microscope. The longer the tail, the greater the DNA damage.
Yes. It is normal for sperm to have a small amount of DNA damage. Problems arise when the level of damage becomes too high, which can make it more difficult to conceive naturally or through fertility treatment.
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