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How Do Hormone Levels Affect Sperm Fragmentation?

Posted on Thu, 12 Feb 2015

Question: Hi.

I recently had a TUNEL assay performed due to infertility issues.

I asked the doctor to send ne the test results when he had them.

I receuved an email today that stated my result was 10.8, which is borderline.

The doctor would like me ti schedule an appointment to have hormone levels chrcked.

I dud not find this information useful. I know that a TUNEL assay looks for DNA fragmentation but i don't know how to interprete the number 10.8.

Is it a percentage of DNA that is fragmented?

What would the range be for infertile men?

What would the range be for furtile men?

How do hormone levels affect sperm fragmentation?

Any information you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hormone analysis not required

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You are right. TUNNEL Assay is to assess DNA fragmentation.

In your case 10.8 is not high.

DNA Fragmentation if more than 30 percent needa evaluation.

I don't think hormones need to be tested. Your doctor is not giving you correct advice. You should not get hormines done.

Send me report as attachment with this query for further advice

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (46 hours later)

Hi.

Here is the test result. They took bllok for a hormone balance test today.

I read up on TUNEL assay myself and it would seem that 10.8 is well within the normal range.

Any insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Borderline high levels

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

They have taken 7 % as cut off for normal. Hence they are evaluating your hormone levels.

But your levels are just borderline above. Henxe I believe this should not give abnormal hormone levels after testing.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (38 hours later)

Are tjey checking to see if my testosterone level is too low? If so, how does a low level of testisterone affect the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation.

I would have thought low T would affect sex drive, sperm concentration and volume but not DNA fragmentation.

Thabk yoy .

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are right

Detailed Answer:
They are likely to test for testosterone and other hormones like FSH< LH and prolaction.

You are right that none of these should affect DNA fragmentation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D