Chromosomes intertwining with a sperm cell approaching an egg

Decoding Male Infertility: Can Chromosomal Translocations Impact Your Chances of Conception?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Link Between Chromosomes, Semen Quality, and Male Fertility"

For couples dreaming of parenthood, infertility can be a heartbreaking challenge. While many factors contribute, chromosomal translocations are a significant, yet often overlooked, genetic cause of male infertility. These translocations, where pieces of chromosomes swap places, can disrupt the delicate process of sperm production, leading to difficulties in conception.

Understanding the intricate relationship between chromosomal translocations and semen quality is crucial for those navigating the complexities of male infertility. Recent research sheds light on specific translocations and chromosomal regions that are more directly associated with sperm defects. This knowledge paves the way for improved detection methods and potential treatment strategies.

This article delves into the findings of a study examining 144 men with chromosomal translocations. By exploring the impact of these translocations on semen quality, we aim to empower you with the information you need to understand your fertility challenges and make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

What are Chromosomal Translocations and Why Do They Matter for Fertility?

Chromosomes intertwining with a sperm cell approaching an egg

Chromosomal translocations occur when segments of two chromosomes break off and exchange positions. There are two main types:

Understanding the two types:

Reciprocal Translocations (RCT): Involve an exchange of segments between two non-homologous chromosomes.
Robertsonian Translocations (ROBT): Occur when the long arms of two acrocentric chromosomes (chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22) fuse together.

In fertile men, these translocations can interfere with the normal segregation of chromosomes during meiosis, the cell division process that creates sperm. This can lead to the production of sperm with an unbalanced number of chromosomes, increasing the risk of miscarriage or birth defects if fertilization occurs.

Taking Control of Your Fertility Journey

Understanding the impact of chromosomal translocations on semen quality is a powerful step toward addressing male infertility. Armed with this knowledge, you can engage in informed discussions with your healthcare provider, explore appropriate testing options, and consider assisted reproductive technologies to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. Remember, you're not alone, and resources are available to support you on your path to parenthood.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.10.003, Alternate LINK

Title: Chromosomal Translocations And Semen Quality: A Study On 144 Male Translocation Carriers

Subject: Developmental Biology

Journal: Reproductive BioMedicine Online

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Anne Mayeur, Naouel Ahdad, Laetitia Hesters, Sophie Brisset, Serge Romana, Lucie Tosca, Gérard Tachdjian, Nelly Frydman

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are chromosomal translocations and how do they impact a man's ability to conceive?

Chromosomal translocations happen when segments of two chromosomes swap places. This can disrupt sperm production. There are two main types of chromosomal translocations: Reciprocal Translocations (RCT), where segments are exchanged between non-homologous chromosomes, and Robertsonian Translocations (ROBT), where the long arms of two acrocentric chromosomes (specifically chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22) fuse together. These translocations can cause sperm to have an unbalanced number of chromosomes, potentially leading to miscarriage or birth defects if fertilization occurs. While the text explains the two types of translocations it does not explain other chromosome abnormalities such as inversions, insertions, or deletions which also affect fertility.

What is the difference between Reciprocal Translocations and Robertsonian Translocations?

Reciprocal Translocations (RCT) involve the exchange of segments between two non-homologous chromosomes. Robertsonian Translocations (ROBT) occur when the long arms of two acrocentric chromosomes (chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22) fuse together. Robertsonian Translocations specifically impact acrocentric chromosomes, while Reciprocal Translocations can involve any non-homologous chromosomes. Both types can disrupt meiosis and lead to unbalanced sperm. This information is important for those considering genetic testing and family planning.

How exactly do chromosomal translocations interfere with sperm production and increase the risk of miscarriages?

Chromosomal translocations can disrupt meiosis, the cell division process that creates sperm. This disruption can lead to the production of sperm with an unbalanced number of chromosomes. If sperm with an unbalanced number of chromosomes fertilizes an egg, it can result in miscarriage or birth defects. This is why understanding chromosomal translocations is crucial for couples experiencing infertility. Note that the article does not describe the impact of the specific unbalanced sperm in detail. Some may have no impact on viability and lead to apparently healthy offspring.

If a man has a chromosomal translocation, what options are available to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy?

For men with chromosomal translocations, options like genetic counseling, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be helpful. Genetic counseling can provide insights into the risks of passing on the translocation to offspring. PGT involves testing embryos created through IVF for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. These steps increase the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. The article does not mention other options such as donor sperm. Given the impact on sperm production, men might also consider lifestyle and medical interventions to support overall health and sperm quality.

What advancements are being made in understanding the connection between specific chromosomal translocations and male infertility, and what future research is needed?

Recent research focuses on understanding which specific chromosomal translocations and chromosomal regions are more closely linked to sperm defects. By identifying these links, scientists and clinicians can improve detection methods. This knowledge can lead to more targeted interventions and potentially improve treatment strategies for male infertility related to chromosomal translocations. Future research should focus on larger cohort studies, specific translocation types, and the development of novel therapies. The current study examined 144 men, which is a reasonable start, but larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.