IVF and Risk: Uncovering Sperm DNA's Role in Pregnancy Complications

A study links fragmented sperm DNA with doubled risks of pre-eclampsia in IVF pregnancies. With rising infertility, IVF is popular but poses higher complication risks. Researchers reveal 20-30% of IVF-born babies have fathers with damaged sperm DNA. A DFI score over 20% increases health risks significantly.

A recent study reveals a connection between sperm carrying fragmented DNA and an increased risk of pre-eclampsia in women who become pregnant through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). With global infertility rates on the rise, the use of assisted reproduction techniques like IVF has surged, bringing with it certain pregnancy complications.

Research shows that up to 30% of babies born via IVF have fathers with compromised sperm DNA, raising concerns about pregnancy outcomes such as high blood pressure, miscarriages, and premature births. Experts at Lund University in Sweden indicated that sperm with damaged DNA could significantly affect these outcomes.

Notably, IVF pregnancies with a DNA fragmentation index (DFI) exceeding 20% showed doubled risks of pre-eclampsia, compared to those under 20%. This finding suggests that evaluating sperm DNA integrity should become a standard procedure to identify and manage high-risk pregnancies effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)