We analysed anonymised serial sperm DNA fragmentation tests from men who underwent repeat testing within our clinics. This audit helps us understand patterns seen in routine clinical practice. As with all audit data shared on this page, these findings are observational and do not demonstrate causation.
How this data was collected
- Audit type: Retrospective observational clinical audit
- Patients: Men with at least two sperm DNA fragmentation tests
- Tests used: SCSA or COMET (DNA fragmentation index %)
- Interventions:
- Acupuncture group: Regular acupuncture (fortnightly or monthly) during the interval between tests
- Lifestyle group: Lifestyle and supplement guidance only
- Outcome measured: Change in DNA fragmentation (%) between first and second test
- Timing: Variable intervals between tests reflecting real-world clinical care
All cases have been fully anonymised and assigned audit case IDs.
Outcomes observed — summary
Across eight paired sperm DNA fragmentation datasets, most men showed a reduction in DNA fragmentation on repeat testing.
Overall, 6 out of 8 cases (75%) improved, with an average reduction of 6.5 percentage points between the first and second test.
When the cases were reviewed by intervention type:
- In the acupuncture group, 4 out of 5 paired test periods (80%) showed improvement. The average reduction in DNA fragmentation in this group was 7.4 percentage points.
- In the lifestyle and supplement group, 2 out of 3 cases (67%) showed improvement, with an average reduction of 5 percentage points.
Larger improvements (>10 percentage points) were observed in both groups, though they were slightly more frequent in the acupuncture group.
As expected in real-world clinical practice, some individuals experienced an increase in DNA fragmentation between tests. This variation reflects the complex and multifactorial nature of male fertility and reinforces the importance of personalised care and repeat testing where appropriate.
Case-by-case observations
Acupuncture group
- TF-SDF-01: 40% → 22% (−18%) with fortnightly acupuncture
- TF-SDF-02: 36% → 30% (−6%) with fortnightly acupuncture
- TF-SDF-03: 44% → 32% (−12%) with fortnightly acupuncture
- TF-SDF-04: 31% → 28% (−3%) with monthly acupuncture
- TF-SDF-05: 26% → 28% (+2%) with fortnightly acupuncture
80% of cases in this group showed improvement.
Lifestyle & supplement group
- TF-SDF-06: 28% → 20% (−8%) with lifestyle and supplements
- TF-SDF-07: 36% → 42% (+6%) with lifestyle and supplements
- TF-SDF-08: 38% → 25% (−13%) with lifestyle and supplements
67% of cases in this group showed improvement.
Interpretation and limitations
This audit reflects outcomes observed in routine clinical practice and is not a controlled research study. Important limitations include:
- Small sample size
- Non-randomised observational data
- Variable time intervals between tests
- Multiple concurrent lifestyle or medical changes may have occurred
- Outcomes cannot be attributed to any single element of care
As with all audit data presented here, these figures describe what was observed within our patient population and should not be interpreted as predictions for individual outcomes.
What this audit shows
- Most men (6 out of 8) showed reductions in DNA fragmentation on repeat testing.
- The acupuncture subgroup showed a larger average reduction and a higher proportion of improvements.
- Individual responses varied, highlighting the importance of personalised fertility care.
We will continue to expand and refine our audit data as more repeat testing becomes available.
