The place of antioxidants in male infertility therapy

Abstract

Infertility affects 10 to 15 % of couples worldwide. Male factor accounts for up to half of infertility cases, with 25 to 87 % of male infertility cases thought to be caused by oxidative stress. Excessive concentrations of reactive oxygen species lead to damage to sperm membranes and disruption of the integrity of their DNA, which affects not only the likelihood of pregnancy naturally, but also the results of using assisted reproductive technologies and the risk of miscarriage. This paper provides an overview of exogenous and endogenous antioxidant protection factors, as well as their impact on sperm parameters and male reproductive health in general.