Male Infertility and antioxidants: one small step for man, no giant leap for andrology?

Sarah J. Martins da Silva (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
330 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Oxidative stress is detrimental to spermatozoa and is acknowledged to be a common pathology in infertile men. Antioxidant supplements, therefore, represent a logical therapeutic approach, although the recent Cochrane review recommends cautious interpretation of publications and findings to date. This commentary considers whether male fertility supplements have a place in current reproductive medicine practice. Importantly, although sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a common research theme, survey data show that men would prefer medication to achieve natural conception, rather than treatment to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) success. A total of 27.1% (n = 112), 26.6% (n = 110) and 24.5% (n = 101) respondents indicated they (or their male partner) would undertake medical treatment to attempt natural conception for up to 6 months, 12 months and 2 years, respectively. A total of 63% indicated that they would be prepared to participate in a clinical trial and 57% would defer ART by 6 months to do so. This information represents the beginnings of a dialogue with patients and stakeholders and should be used to shape research efforts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)879-883
Number of pages5
JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online
Volume39
Issue number6
Early online date3 Sept 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Developmental Biology

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