Double-stranded sperm DNA damage is a cause of delay in embryo development and can impair implantation rates.

Objective: To analyze the effect of single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation (ssSDF and dsSDF) on human embryo kinetics monitored under a time-lapse system.

Design: Observational, double blind, prospective cohort study.

Setting: University spin-off and private center.

Processing of semen can result in increased sperm DNA fragmentation.

Processing of semen for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) entails a number of procedures that include semen liquefaction, removal of seminal plasma by centrifugation, incubation, and cryopreservation. The results of this study indicate that incubation of semen at room temperature and semen cryopreservation can result in increased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation.