AFRM involved in study on oxidative stress impacting male fertility

Although the basic semen analysis is the cornerstone of the male fertility evaluation, assessing the semen volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology has essentially been the same way the semen has been evaluated since the 1600’s when sperm was first looked at under a microscope.  There is a need for more advanced testing of the semen in infertile men, especially when there is not an identifiable cause for infertility.  More evidence is suggesting that oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species in the semen can impact fertility, primarily by damaging the DNA in the head of the sperm cells resulting in more difficulty for the sperm to fertilize the egg and may cause poorer embryo development.

Dr. Parviz Kavoussi from Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF was involved in a recent study assessing the importance of oxidative stress in the semen and the effect on male fertility, as well as proposing terminology and clinical practice guidelines regarding oxidative stress in men with otherwise unknown causes of infertility.  Dr. Kavoussi states, “It was truly an honor to be involved with this study along with renowned authors from 26 countries around the world.  We all continue to work to find other measures that have a potential for treatment for infertility.”

To read entire study, click here.