The Effect of Oxidative Stress on Male Fertility

The effect of oxidative stress on male fertility and sperm quality indicators.

Fertility problems are very common, affecting approximately 1 in 6 couples. Researchers estimate that one-third of all infertility cases are due to male fertility problems.

While medical  treatment may be necessary, there are a number of changes that can be implemented to improve fertility indicators, including eating a balanced diet, taking dietary supplements, and introducing lifestyle changes.

 What is male infertility?

Fertility is the ability to have children without requiring medical assistance.

Male infertility is a situation in which the male has low chances of fertilizing the female egg, often due to the quality of the sperm cells. Yet, there are other factors that may cause male infertility, such as:

• Sperm count

Sperm count refers to the number or concentration of sperm cells in a given amount of semen.

• Sperm motility

One of the essential functions of healthy sperm cells is their ability to swim and/or move forward towards the egg. Sperm motility measures the percentage of sperm cells that are in motion within the semen sample.

• Testosterone levels

Low levels of testosterone (the male sex hormone) may be associated with infertility.

• Impotence

When a male has difficulty with male function (ie it is not possible to develop or maintain an erection).

• A decrease in libido

A decrease in the desire to have marital relations. There are various foods and supplements known as ‘aphrodisiacs’ that contain components that help increase libido.

Infertility may be caused by a number of combined factors and can also be linked to genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, underlying diseases, environmental pollutants, and even the general state of health.

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Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility

Oxidative stress is a condition in which the levels of ‘Reactive Oxygen Species’ (ROS) molecules in the body rise and cause damage to tissues and cells – including the sperm cells. This happens when the antioxidant defense system within the body weakens, either due to underlying disease, old age, an unhealthy lifestyle, or exposure to environmental pollutants. (Study 1, 2, 3)

Active oxygen species are constantly created in our bodies, but their levels are kept within safe range by a healthy antioxidant defense system. High levels of reactive oxygen species may cause damage to tissues, an increase in inflammation, and an increase in the risk of developing chronic diseases. There is also evidence that oxidative stress and high levels of reactive oxygen species may lead to male infertility. This is parallel to research which indicates that the consumption of antioxidant components, via diet or supplements, may contribute to fertility.

Oxidative stress in the tissues of the reproductive system is a cause for concern, due to the ability of the active oxygen species to damage the amount of sperm, its motility, its quality and its function. There is also a concern that ROS may damage the DNA of the sperm cells, which may further harm fertility.

• In October 2020, a study was published in the scientific journal, Human Reproduction. Researchers sought to determine the relationship between DNA fragility in the sperm cells, oxidative stress, and the increasing age of males.

Fragility (fragmentation) of the DNA in the sperm refers to the genetic material (DNA) of all the characteristics of the father that is transferred to the embryo upon fertilization of the egg.

There are situations that may cause breaks in the DNA structure and thereby damage its integrity and/or quality. It is known that high levels of DNA fragility may cause the inability of the sperm cell to fertilize the egg (in both natural conception and intrauterine insemination), or cause abnormal fetal development, which may lead to miscarriages or the failure of fertility treatment. It is also known that the sperm quality decreases with age.

Researchers set out to determine if there are new scientific findings that indicate a clear connection between oxidative stress, DNA fragility, and sperm quality.  They examined 16,945 sperm samples, which were divided into 7 categories according to age (ranging from 30–55).

The results of the study were as follows:

1. The average fragility of DNA in sperm cells increased significantly  across all age groups
2. The levels of oxidative stress were the lowest in the youngest age group, yet increased in accordance with the increase in subject age – ie an age-dependent upward trend in the levels of oxidative stress
3. A combined linear upward trend of DNA fragility accompanied by oxidative stress was observed among all age groups.

Researchers concluded that DNA fragility in sperm cells increases with age and seems to be linked to high levels of oxidative stress, as well as a defect in the process of sperm cell formation.

The takeaway? It is important to find out the levels of oxidative stress in the sperm cells, along with defects in the DNA of the sperm – just as important as finding out about chromosomal aberrations in the egg.

Additionally, more studies are needed to evaluate the effect of fatherhood in old age on the male DNA, because these factors have an impact on the health of the offspring.

How can males improve antioxidant levels in their bodies to support fertility?

Adequate consumption of antioxidants in the diet (via food or supplements) may improve the antioxidant defense system in the body, and also within the sperm cells.

[Click here to read extensively about supplements, nutrients, and herbs rich in antioxidants that may contribute to male fertility]

Which vitamins/nutrients help support male fertility?

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant.

• A study of men with fertility problems found that taking 1000mg of Vitamin C twice a day for two months increased sperm motility by 92%, sperm count by 100% and reduced the rate of damaged sperm cells by 55%.

            Other studies obtained similar results, indicating that Vitamin C may improve fertility indices in men with fertility problems due to oxidative stress (but extensive studies are needed to verify this).

• Maca Root

Maca is a plant that grows under stressful conditions in the Peruvian Andes. Maca has been used by the people of the Andes for hundreds of years to improve fertility, libido and male function.

1. Studies indicate that taking 1.5–3 grams of Maca Root for three months improved libido. (Study 1, 2)
2. Studies suggest that taking 2.4 grams of Maca Root for 12 weeks, which contains both antioxidants and other unique components, may improve male function and health among men with mild male function problems.
3. A controlled clinical study determined that taking 1.7 grams of Maca powder for 3 months improved sperm count and motility in men.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for both male and female fertility. Vitamin D may also affect the levels of the hormone testosterone, as per an observational study that found that men with low levels of vitamin D may have lower levels of testosterone in the blood.

1. A controlled pilot study of 65 men with low levels of testosterone and vitamin D deficiency found that taking 3000 IU of vitamin D every day for a year increased testosterone levels in the blood by 25%. (Note: 3000 IU is a high dose that requires a doctor’s approval.)

            High levels of vitamin D may be linked to sperm motility – but this effect is still being researched.

Disclaimer: Medicinal plants are not drugs. The purpose of this article is to provide a  general overview of approaches in complementary medicine and the information provided does not constitute a qualified medical recommendation. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always contact your health practitioner before starting any nutritional supplement programs.