Sperm DNA integrity and sexual dysfunction among infertile men : DFI and sexual dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), which quantifies the proportion of sperm with damaged DNA (sperm DNA fragmentation), and sexual dysfunction (SD) using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), a validated 5-item tool assessing erectile dysfunction severity, and the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, a 10-item screening instrument for symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated male infertility clinic. A total of 703 infertile men (mean age 37.4 ± 5.6 years) who completed SHIM and ADAM questionnaires and underwent semen analysis and DFI testing between 2000 and 2020 were included. DFI was categorized as normal (< 30%) or abnormal (≥ 30%). Primary outcomes were intercourse frequency (IF), SHIM scores (erectile dysfunction severity), and ADAM scores (androgen deficiency symptoms). Multivariable regression models evaluated predictors of sexual function, with emphasis on DFI.

RESULTS

Abnormal DFI was observed in 39% of men. Average IF was 7.2 ± 4.4 times/month, with no difference by DFI status. A positive ADAM score was reported in 41.1%, while moderate/severe ED (SHIM) was reported in 3%. Multivariable analysis showed that BMI above 30 (kg/m²) alone was associated with reduced IF. Abnormal SHIM scores were predictive of positive ADAM score. Worse SHIM scores were associated with smoking and a positive ADAM score. Men with abnormal DFI had significantly lower SHIM scores (p = 0.02): 65% had normal scores versus 73% in the normal DFI group. Mild and mild-moderate ED were reported in 25% and 9% of the abnormal DFI group versus 19% and 5% in the normal group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal DFI was significantly associated with erectile dysfunction. These findings support incorporating sexual health assessments into male infertility evaluations.