Oxidative stress and male infertility

Male infertility accounts for up to half of the infertility cases and affects 13–15% couples worldwide. An optimal level of reactive oxygen species is crucial for maintaining spermatogenesis and sperm functions. However, excessive production of reactive oxygen species may cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been identified as one of the major risk factors which affects the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. Oxidative stress occurs due to excessive production of ROS and causes germ cell DNA damage, sperm fragility and defects in motility, culminating in infertility. Poor sperm quality and DNA damage may also result in pregnancy loss. This article highlights the significance of ROS in human male fertility and that of oxidative stress in infertility.