Possible consequences of performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with sperm possessing nuclear DNA damage

A number of studies have confirmed that sperm with damaged nuclear DNA are present in human ejaculate. It appears that these sperm are more likely to occur in men with low concentrations of sperm, or poor sperm motility or morphology. In assisted reproductive techniques, in particular intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), there is a higher statistical chance that sperm possessing damaged DNA will be selected and used to fertilize oocytes. In light of this observation, the question of whether human sperm with damaged DNA can impair fertilization and embryo development is examined.