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Oxidative Stress And Male Infertility: What You Need To Know

Updated: Aug 31, 2023



Biological and environmental factors have an impact on human health and well-being throughout their lives. It’s especially vital for future parents to be informed of the various factors that can affect both male and female fertility. Researchers recently discovered a link between oxidative stress and male infertility. While the relationship between these two components may appear convoluted at first, it is not difficult to comprehend. Lets read about oxidative stress and male infertility:

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the body’s ability to neutralize detrimental effects caused by oxidantants (also known as free radicals) by the antioxidants. Long-term oxidative stress can harm the cells and cause them to die. And this can be a major contributor to male infertility.


Oxidants, also known as oxidizing agents, are by-products of a variety of chemical reactions in our bodies. Oxidants in sperm can cause protein damage, lipid peroxidation (lipid degradation), apoptosis (controlled cell death), and DNA damage, all of which reduce the sperm’s ability to fertilize.

What Is The Impact Of Oxidative Stress On Male Infertility?

When it comes to factors that can cause male infertility, oxidative stress may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Even though oxidative stress may not appear to be a significant factor in male infertility, it can have a considerable impact on male reproductive function.

1. Free Radicals And Their Damage:

Free radicals in a person’s body are also responsible for harming and suppressing the typical activities of male reproductive systems, as well as other negative health impacts. Many male fertility difficulties emerge when the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity is not properly managed, including:

  • Sperm lipid membranes are degraded by oxidation.

  • Gene mutation and the direct breakdown of the DNA backbone cause damage to gamete DNA.

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a condition in which the mitochondria fail to function properly.

  • Apoptotic cell death.

Oxidative stress can have further negative reproductive effects in addition to these molecular levels of damage:

  • Varicocele

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Testicular cancer

  • Idiopathic male infertility

2. Sperm Vulnerability And Pregnancy Complications:

When it comes to sperm cells, oxidative stress has a negative impact on their structural and functional integrity, and it is a major cause of sperm dysfunction. Spermatozoa, in particular, are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage due to their lack of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, spermatozoa have a limited potential for DNA repair. Damage to sperm DNA, RNA transcripts, and telomeres causes not just male infertility, but also repeated pregnancy loss and poor pregnancy outcomes.

How Can You Avoid This?

  • Consume a diet rich in fruits and green vegetables. They include antioxidants, which help to maintain a healthy balance in the body and reduce the risk of oxidative stress.

  • Consume green tea and fermented foods on a regular basis.

  • Exercising, yoga, and meditation can help you manage your stress levels. This will keep you active, young, and healthy for the rest of your life.

To learn more about what may be done to lower oxidative stress, speak with your doctor.

Where To Get Treatment?

Dr. Bindu Garg is the best infertility doctor in Delhi NCR. A well-renowned and highly acknowledged name in the field of fertility and gynecology, Dr. Bindu Garg has a remarkable experience of 40+ years along with a strong academic background and several awards to her name. Her patients vouch for her skills and reliability in her field.

For a detailed consultation, book an appointment today!


Original Source: - https://www.drbindugarg.com/infertility-treatments/best-ivf-doctor-in-gurgaon

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