ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY IS THE KEY TO THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC MALE INFERTILITY

Abstract

Idiopathic infertility (II) accounts for up to 30% of male infertility. Antioxidants were empirically used in the treatment of II based on their ability to improve reproductive function suppressed by oxidative stress (OS), which was often found in these patients. The review article was aimed to report the validity of available data confirming the use of antioxidants. Antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamins E and C, carnitines, coenzyme Q10, N-acetylcysteine, selenium, zinc, folic acid and lycopene have been shown to reduce sperm damage caused by OS. Although rigorous scientific evidence in the form of double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is limited, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses showed a positive effect of antioxidants on sperm parameters and fertility rates. There is, however, a need for further investigation with randomised controlled studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of antioxidant therapy in the medical treatment of idiopathic male infertility as well as the need to determine the effective dose of each compound to improve semen parameters, fertilisation rates and healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords

• idiopathic male infertility
• oxidative stress
• antioxidant therapy