A sperm oxidative stress test (SOS) measures the balance of antioxidants and free radicals in a semen sample. This test can be done at the same time as a semen analysis.

However, if they are allowed to reach high levels – sometimes due to poor diet, infection or inhalation of high levels of toxins (eg. cigarette smoke) – they can cause damage to the DNA structure. It is generally accepted that a healthy lifestyle would enhance the antioxidant level in the system which would in turn promote healthy sperm development.

However, if they are allowed to reach high levels – sometimes due to poor diet, infection or inhalation of high levels of toxins (eg. cigarette smoke) – they can cause damage to the DNA structure. It is generally accepted that a healthy lifestyle would enhance the antioxidant level in the system which would in turn promote healthy sperm development.

Oxidative stress

is one of the factors responsible for DNA fragmentation in sperm. Excessive generation of ROS in semen could be the cause of infertility. Low concentration of ROS affects mobility of the sperm and high concentration results in loss of viability of the sperm. The assessment of ROS may help in the treatment of male infertility by suitable antioxidant. This test determines the total ROS generated in human semen by leucocytes and spermatozoa.

• 25 – 40% of infertile men have high levels of oxidants and a reduced antioxidant capacity compared with fertile men
• Oxidants can cause poor sperm motility and vitality, poor sperm shape (morphology) and reduced sperm count
• Oxidant levels can be high in men with both normal and abnormal semen parameters
• High oxidant levels are correlated with an increased time to natural pregnancy
• High oxidant levels impair fertilisation, affect blastocyst development and reduce pregnancy rates after IVF.

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a leading cause of male factor infertility. Measurement of ROS has been hampered by a lack of standardisation and confounding variables including choice of controls and sample selection.

Oxidative Stress Oxygen has a central role in life, displaying both beneficial and harmful effects on biological systems. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an integral component of sperm developmental physiology, capacitation, and function. Elevated ROS levels, from processes such as infection or inflammation, can be associated with aberrations of sperm development, function, and fertilizing capacity. We review the impact of ROS on sperm physiology, its place in infertility evaluation, the implications for reproductive outcomes, and antioxidant therapy.