When heterosexual couples struggling to conceive seek medical assistance, sperm often don't get as much attention as they should.

Standard tests measure sperm count and motility, but this ultimately just shows how likely a sperm is to make it to the egg.

And that moment of conception is just the first of many steps to the implantation of a growing embryo, let alone the gestation of a healthy fetus.

We now know that, even if couples manage to conceive, problems with sperm can interfere with the pregnancy.

Research has shown a connection between DNA fragmentation, which is when the genetic information stored within sperm is broken or otherwise damaged, and miscarriage.

It's also been linked to lower IVF live birth rates, which makes sense:

in vitro fertilization gets the sperm through the door, so to speak, but if half of the resulting embryo's DNA is potentially damaged, it's less likely to develop normally and progress into a healthy pregnancy once implanted.

The good news is that there are tests for DNA fragmentation in sperm. In fact, they've been around for decades.

And the even better news is that, at least in some cases, successful intervention can be as simple as cutting out alcohol, improving your diet and exercise and taking a few supplements.

Earlier this year, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine updated its recommendations for assessing and treating recurrent pregnancy loss for the first time since 2012.