Understanding Fertility Epigenetics

Possessing the incredible ability to have control over human reproduction gives future parents the chance to design the baby of their desires. However, according to recent studies and research regarding the process of epigenetics and its correlation with fertility, it has been concluded that there can be some intense negative effects on the embryo and the child’s overall development, sperm production, as well as long-term abnormalities during the offspring’s life.

What’s exciting is the implementation of a helpful lifestyle and beneficial medical conditions to assist in male infertility; molecules are incorporated into the sperm DNA, influencing the gene structure and function of both the sperm and the embryo.

Which Role does Epigenetics Play?

Epigenetics positively impacts embryo development, reverses early pregnancy loss, and benefits transgenerational lineage. Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Today, we have found a way to improve the outcome of a pregnancy by increasing the quality of sperm assessment and its DNA while modifying the man’s health through the enhancement of his diet, medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Let’s dive deeper into the process of sperm analysis.

Why Study Fertility Epigenetics?

Infertility affects around 15 percent of the population and is a condition that can cause various complications with individuals and couples. In 50 percent of those cases, the infertility lies with the male factor. We have limited understanding of the male-factor infertility today. The current standard of care is semen analysis, which can only affect the individual in the most extreme cases. However, even with the possibility of fertilization, male-factor infertility can have a huge impact on embryo development.

What Are the Specifics?

Studies of the link between the epigenetic state of the sperm and male-factor infertility have been done so that predictions for male-factor infertility and embryogenesis outcome can be performed through DNA methylation, dramatically increasing the standard of care for male-factor infertility. In one study, samples were collected from 127 patients with infertility and from 36 fertile donors. Out of the 127 samples 55 resulted in positive embryogenesis, and 72 resulted in poor embryogenesis. The samples were then profiled and analyzed deeper, with the goal of being able to predict the outcomes. With further success, though semen analysis is the only applicable method for the condition, the standard of care for male-factor infertility has increased.

Thanks to the study, there has been an array of male fertility test methods that hit the market such as Episona’s Seed. Seed is a physician-prescribed male fertility analyzer that predicts embryo quality as well as fertility potential through the testing of the sperm DNA. It’s one of the best-known test kits that benefits couples who fit one of the following criteria:

• Unexplained fertility
• Poor embryo development
• Old age
• High body mass index

Conclusion

Until now, we haven’t been able to accurately diagnose male infertility. Seed utilizes epigenetics to provide unrivaled solutions to male infertility while decreasing time, cost and effort to achieve pregnancy.