Authors
Riya Ghosh
Abstract
Forensic sperm analysis is pivotal in sexual assault investigations, aiding in perpetrator identification and legal proceedings. However, concurrent contraceptive use presents significant challenges in sperm detection, recovery, and analysis. This review explores the impact of various contraceptive methods—hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and barrier methods—on forensic outcomes. Hormonal contraceptives can alter the vaginal environment, reducing sperm viability and concentration. IUDs can cause physical displacement or degradation of spermatozoa, and barrier methods, like condoms, may leave minimal or no trace of sperm, complicating forensic analysis. The situation becomes more complex when the female victim has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD). These conditions involve hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles, further affecting the vaginal milieu and the presence of endogenous cells critical for forensic interpretation. Additionally, PCOS/PCOD often results in increased vaginal secretions and varied pH levels, which can compromise sperm integrity, making traditional analysis methods less effective. Advanced forensic techniques, including DNA profiling and sperm cell isolation methods, are evaluated for their effectiveness in overcoming these challenges. The review highlights recent advancements in forensic technology, such as laser capture microdissection (LCM) and improved DNA extraction methods, which have enhanced the ability to analyse compromised sperm samples. Additionally, the implications of these forensic challenges in legal contexts are examined, emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable sperm analysis in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. The review underscores the need for forensic scientists to remain cognizant of the potential impacts of contraceptive use on sperm analysis and to continuously update their methodologies to account for these variables. Future research directions are suggested, including the development of more robust analytical techniques and standardized protocols to mitigate the effects of contraceptives on sperm analysis. Ultimately, this comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the forensic challenges in sperm analysis with concurrent contraceptive use and to propose solutions for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of forensic investigations Keywords: Spermnalysis, Sexual Assaults, PCOD, Hormones, Contraceptive, Investigation, PCOS.
Introduction
Forensic sperm analysis is a crucial element in the investigation of sexual assault cases, providing key evidence that can link a perpetrator to a crime. However, this process is fraught with significant challenges that can affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. Despite its importance, the process of sperm analysis is riddled with challenges that can impact the accuracy and reliability of the evidence obtained. One significant issue is the rapid degradation of sperm samples due to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and microbial activity (Azziz et al., 2004) Additionally, contaminants from the victim's body, clothing, or the external environment can complicate the identification of sperm, thereby obscuring DNA profiling and ultimately compromising the evidence's integrity in court (Burnier and Massonnet, 2019) In the context of India, where sexual violence remains a significant concern, these forensic challenges are further exacerbated by logistical and resource limitations within the criminal justice system.
In many sexual assault cases, the sperm count in collected samples may be low due to various factors, including ejaculation volume, the time elapsed since the assault, and the victim's post-assault hygiene practices (Fauser et al., 2011) The presence of non-motile or dead sperm adds another layer of complexity to detection and analysis, which can hinder the ability to produce conclusive evidence (Azziz et al., 2004) Moreover, sexual assaults often involve the presence of multiple body fluids and biological materials from both the victim and the perpetrator, leading to mixed DNA profiles. Isolating and identifying the sperm cells specifically linked to the perpetrator becomes a formidable challenge in these scenarios (Haddrill, 2021) In India, the forensic infrastructure faces challenges in processing these complex samples due to limited access to advanced forensic technologies and trained personnel (Kathane et al., 2021; Pundir et al., 2020). The process of collecting forensic evidence from sexual assault victims must also navigate legal and ethical constraints to respect their privacy and dignity. These constraints can limit the extent and methods of evidence collection, potentially affecting the quality and quantity of samples available for analysis (Budowle et al., 2006) In India, these challenges are further compounded by societal stigma and cultural barriers that may deter victims from reporting assaults and seeking timely forensic examination.
Additional complications arise when the female victim has conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). These prevalent endocrine disorders affect 5-10% of women of reproductive age globally. In India, the prevalence of PCOS among women is reported to be as high as 20% in some urban areas. These conditions, characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and changes in reproductive organs, present unique forensic challenges. Hormonal imbalances in women with PCOD/PCOS can alter the vaginal environment, affecting sperm motility and viability, and making accurate detection and analysis of sperm samples more difficult. The irregular menstrual cycles associated with PCOD/PCOS, which affect approximately 85% of women with the condition can complicate the timing of forensic sample collection (Fauser et al., 2011). Variations in vaginal secretions and endometrial shedding can dilute or obscure the presence of sperm. Chronic inflammation and structural changes in reproductive tissues, common in PCOD/PCOS, can further complicate the collection and preservation of forensic samples. Additionally, in India, cultural practices related to menstruation may affect the timely reporting and examination of sexual assault cases, further complicating the forensic analysis . Comorbid conditions such as obesity, which is present in about 50-70% of women with PCOD/PCOS, and diabetes, which is also prevalent in this demographic, can alter the vaginal environment and present additional challenges in sperm analysis. In India, where the use of condoms among the general population is increasing but remains relatively low compared to other countries, the likelihood of encountering condom use in forensic cases may be different (National Family Health Survey [NFHS-5], 2021). Additionally, male perpetrators who have undergone vasectomy, a procedure present in about 5-6% of the adult male population in the U.S. (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2021), and around 1-2% in India, do not produce sperm in their ejaculate (International Institute for Population Sciences. This presents challenges for forensic analysis as traditional methods of sperm detection may not yield results. In such cases, reliance on other forms of biological evidence, such as epithelial cells or seminal fluid analysis, becomes crucial to linking the perpetrator to the crime. The presence of lubricants or spermicides used during the assault can also affect sperm detection, as these substances can impair sperm motility and viability, complicating analysis and potentially leading to false negatives or compromised DNA profiling. In the Indian context, additional challenges arise from cultural, logistical, and systemic factors that further complicate the forensic analysis of sperm in sexual assault cases. Addressing these issues requires advanced techniques and protocols to ensure accurate and reliable forensic evidence, tailored to the specific challenges encountered within the Indian forensic landscape.
References
Azziz, Ricardo, et al. “The Prevalence and Features of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in an Unselected Population.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 89, no. 6, June 2004, pp. 2745–49.
Budowle, Bruce, et al. “Quality Sample Collection, Handling, and Preservation for an Effective Microbial Forensics Program.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 72, no. 10, Oct. 2006, pp. 6431–38.
Burnier, Céline, and Geneviève Massonnet. “Pre-analytical Considerations of Condom Traces: A Review of Composition, Background, Transfer and Persistence.” Forensic Science International, vol. 302, June 2019, p. 109861.
De Leo, V., et al. “Genetic, Hormonal and Metabolic Aspects of PCOS: An Update.” Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, vol. 14, no. 1, July 2016.
Fauser, Bart C. J. M., et al. “Consensus on Women’s Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group.” Fertility and Sterility, vol. 97, no. 1, Dec. 2011, pp. 28-38.e25.
Giudice, Linda C. “Endometrium in PCOS: Implantation and Predisposition to Endocrine CA.” Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 20, no. 2, June 2006, pp. 235–44.
Haddrill, Penelope R. “Developments in Forensic DNA Analysis.” Emerging Topics in Life Sciences, vol. 5, no. 3, Apr. 2021, pp. 381–93.
Joham, Anju E., et al. “Prevalence of Infertility and Use of Fertility Treatment in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Data From a Large Community-Based Cohort Study.” Journal of Women S Health, vol. 24, no. 4, Feb. 2015, pp. 299–307.
Kathane, Prachi, et al. “The Development, Status and Future of Forensics in India.” Forensic Science International Reports, vol. 3, June 2021, p. 100215.
Myers, Sarah J., et al. “Effect of Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Contraception on Musculoskeletal Health and Performance: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Design and Cross-Sectional Comparison.” JMIR Research Protocols, vol. 13, July 2024, p. e50542.
Pundir, ChandraS, et al. “The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Brief Systematic Review.” Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, vol. 13, no. 4, Jan. 2020, p. 261.
Rivera, Roberto, et al. “The Mechanism of Action of Hormonal Contraceptives and Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 181, no. 5, Nov. 1999, pp. 1263–69.
Saric, Nikola, et al. “A Preliminary Investigation of Transfer of Condom Lubricants in the Vaginal Matrix.” Forensic Science International, vol. 325, May 2021, p. 110847.
Tozzo, Pamela, et al. “Combined Statistical Analyses of Forensic Evidence in Sexual Assault: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature.” Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 65, no. 5, July 2020, pp. 1767–73.
Zeng, Xin, et al. “Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” DNA And Cell Biology, vol. 39, no. 8, Feb. 2020, pp. 1401–09.
How to cite this article?
APA Style | Ghosh, R. (2024). Forensic Challenges in sperm analysis with concurrent contraceptive use: A comprehensive review. Academic Journal of Forensic Sciences, 07(02), 46–56. |
Chicago Style | |
MLA Style | |
DOI | |
URL |