Male Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
This clinical research study will investigate whether sperm DNA fragmentation contributes to pregnancy loss in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Sperm DNA fragmentation measures the frequency of breaks present in sperm’s DNA. Studies have shown that sperm from fertile men has less DNA fragmentation than sperm from infertile men.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Females ages 18–40
- Male partners ages 18–45
- Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL): two or more pregnancy losses with negative antiphospholipid antibodies, no congenital uterine anomalies, no known karyotype abnormalities
- Normal thyroid hormone testing
- Normal diabetes screening (hemoglobin A1c level)
Study participation involves:
- Online survey of medical history for male and female partners
- Semen sample for DNA fragmentation analysis (can be excess from in-vitro fertilization sample or semen analysis)
- Follow-up of next pregnancy outcome (by looking at the subject’s medical record or a short phone call)
- Second semen sample from men during first trimester of next pregnancy or six months, whichever occurs first
Results of the semen analysis and DNA fragmentation testing will be released to the subjects after six months. Study participants will receive semen analysis or DNA fragmentation analysis free of charge.
