According to a recent study by Professor Sheena Lewis of Queen's University, it was established that SPERM DAMAGE was responsible for more than 80 % of the idiopathic or unexplained fertility cases.
So how is this ‘Unexplained fertility’ diagnosed. ?
Yes, it is done by this very test called as DFI. (DNA
fragmentation Index)
So why am I saying that it is not mandatory? Well I am not saying
that if your doctor has suggested the test, then you shouldn't go for it. I
just want to let you know, that the DFI test is done in those cases, where none
of the previous sperm examination could determine the cause of male
infertility.
So this test is not the one that you repeat every month or couple
of months, like your regular sperm counts and sperm motility tests.
Doctors having tie
ups with Diagnostic centers is nothing new. They get attractive commissions and
hospitals that have in house diagnostic facilities even have the pre-defined
targets and fixed incentives for consultants.
Think of the
fertility related diagnostic tests, which are not even covered by the insurance
companies in most countries, and this really punch a big hole in the pocket.
I was once
referred for this test called DFI (DNA Fragmentation Index). When i got the
report it mentioned just one % figure. For me it was 56 % and according to my
doctor it was very hopeless, as the report suggested that the baseline should
be under 20 %, while mine almost thrice. But when I kept reading the report, there
was a clause mentioned just below the last page.
DFI is a
relatively new test, the effectiveness is yet to be realized on a
large scale. Another line in the report meant that it cannot be
ascertained that patients with less DFI will establish
more successful pregnancies than those patients with the higher
DFI value.
This is followed
by another statement that DFI is just a statistical analysis, and it
usually means that patients with higher DFI value may take more time to
establish a successful pregnancy.
The final nail was
when the doctor told me that, it cannot be treated, even with an operation. I
thought of not wasting any more money on this test, and tried on my own after
taking certain medicines such as Paternia and Zinc tablets and yes that was
sufficient to carry my DNA to where it should be now. :) [Yes I am blessed with
a beautiful baby now J. ]
(This is only my
personal observation and not a recommendation. Please follow the advice of a
senior fertility specialist. Our advice is just to take second opinion, in case,
if you have been referred for continuous fertility tests. )
