Overview

Stress is defined as a general body response to initially threatening external or internal demands, involving the mobilization of physiological and psychological resources to deal with them. Recently, oxidative stress has become the focus of interest as a potential cause of male infertility. Normally, equilibrium exists between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant scavenging activities in the male reproductive organs.

Non-hormonal medical treatment has been proposed for patients with idiopathic or non-curable oligo-astheno-terato-zoospermia and for normo-zoospermic infertile patients. Anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic & antioxidant compounds, oligo elements and vitamin supplementation may be prescribed. Infection, inflammation and/or increased oxidative stress often require a specific treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and/or antioxidants. The ascorbic acid is a known antioxidant present in the testis with the precise role of protecting the male reproductive organs from the oxidative damage. It also contributes to the support of spermatogenesis at least in part through its capacity to maintain antioxidant in an active state. Combined therapies can contribute to improve sperm quality.