Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in male fertility, serving as a significant factor affecting both health and reproductive capabilities. It arises from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's capacity to counteract them with antioxidants.

Oxidative stress is necessary to support normal sperm function and health. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to oxidative stress, play important roles in sperm physiology, including sperm maturation, capacitation (the process that enables sperm to fertilise an egg), and sperm motility. While antioxidants are sought after to counteract oxidative stress, achieving the right balance is essential for optimal benefits.

Oxidative stress

What is oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a physiological imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralise or detoxify these harmful molecules through antioxidants. ROS are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that are naturally produced as byproducts of cellular metabolism.

In normal circumstances, the body's antioxidant defence system can neutralise ROS and prevent damage to cells and tissues. However, when ROS production exceeds the body's antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress occurs. This imbalance can cause damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA within cells, contributing to various health problems and diseases, including infertility, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.

Causes

Overall, oxidative stress can result from a combination of internal and external factors, and managing these factors through lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions, and targeted antioxidants can help mitigate oxidative stress and promote overall health and well-being.

Oxidative stress can arise from various factors that disrupt the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidants in the body. Some common causes of oxidative stress include:

Aging
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Aging is accompanied by a gradual decline in antioxidant defences and an increase in ROS production, leading to cumulative oxidative damage over time.

Psychological stress
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Psychological stressors, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, can activate the body's stress response and increase ROS production, contributing to oxidative stress.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Exposure to UV radiation from sunlight can induce ROS production in the skin, leading to oxidative damage and aging.

Inflammation
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Chronic inflammation triggers the release of ROS by immune cells as part of the body's defence mechanism. Prolonged or excessive inflammation can lead to persistent oxidative stress.

Lifestyle habits
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise, can promote oxidative stress by increasing ROS production and reducing antioxidant levels in the body.

Environmental factors
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Exposure to environmental pollutants, toxins, and chemicals, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, and heavy metals, can increase ROS production and contribute to oxidative stress.

How does oxidative stress impact sperm health?

Oxidative stress can have significant negative effects on sperm health due to its ability to damage sperm cells and impair various aspects of sperm function. Here's how oxidative stress impacts sperm health:

DNA damage

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause damage to sperm DNA, leading to strand breaks, cross-linking, and modifications to DNA bases. This DNA damage can impair sperm function, reduce sperm motility, and increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring.

Sperm membrane damage

ROS can also damage the lipid membranes surrounding sperm cells, compromising their structural integrity and fluidity. This can lead to decreased sperm motility, impaired sperm-egg interactions, and reduced fertilisation potential.

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Sperm cells rely heavily on mitochondria for energy production to fuel motility and other cellular processes. Oxidative stress can damage mitochondrial DNA and disrupt mitochondrial function, leading to decreased energy production and impaired sperm motility and viability.

Antioxidant depletion

Oxidative stress can deplete the antioxidant defences within semen which further exacerbates ROS-induced damage to sperm cells and contributes to sperm dysfunction.

Sperm chromatin condensation

When sperm cells are affected by oxidative stress, it can change how the DNA is packed inside them. This can lead to problems with how tightly the DNA is wrapped, making it more likely to get damaged. As a result, the quality of the sperm is affected, which can make it harder for fertilisation to happen and for embryos to develop normally.

Where can I get an oxidative stress test?
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Unfortunately, oxidative stress testing isn't currently provided by the NHS, meaning men have to access this test privately.

Typically requested by specialists like urologists, andrologists, gynaecologists, or other experts in male fertility, these tests may run alongside others based on your medical and fertility history.

Oxidative stress testing is often accessible through private fertility clinics or clinicians' private health clinics. At testhim, we facilitate oxidative stress testing in collaboration with leading clinics and clinicians, ensuring prompt and accurate results.

Through our partnerships, you can access this test through selected clinics and with participating healthcare professionals.

Can you take too many antioxidants?
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Yes, it is possible to consume too many antioxidants, which can have adverse effects on health and sperm quality. While antioxidants are essential for neutralising harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, excessive antioxidant intake can disrupt the delicate balance of oxidative processes in the body and lead to unintended consequences and a condition known as reductive stress.

To avoid potential adverse effects of excessive antioxidant intake, it's essential to consume antioxidants primarily through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods rather than relying solely on supplements.

It's important to note that supplements should not replace a balanced diet or serve as a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits. Supplements should be used to fill nutrient gaps in the diet, address specific health concerns, or support overall well-being. Additionally, it's essential to choose supplements wisely and opt for high-quality products such as testhim m+ which has been specifically formulated to support sperm health and reduce oxidative stress.

Which supplements are best to reduce oxidative stress?
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Several supplements have antioxidant properties and may help reduce oxidative stress in the body. However, it's essential to note that individual responses to supplements can vary, and it's advisable to consult with someone like a nutritionist or dietitian to get personalised advice and guidance.We have several supplements available through the testhim store including testhim m+ which has been specifically formulated to support sperm quality and reduce oxidative stress.

What can I do if I have high oxidative stress?
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

If you have high oxidative stress, there are several steps you can take to help manage it and improve your overall health:


  • Adopt a balanced diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which are high in antioxidants and can help counteract oxidative stress.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support hydration and detoxification processes in the body.
  • Exercise regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and support antioxidant defences. Just be cautious of extreme levels of exercise as this can raise oxidative stress.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase oxidative stress levels in the body, so it's best to avoid or limit these habits.
  • Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to lower stress levels and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall health and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Supplement with antioxidants: Consider taking antioxidant supplements such as testhim m+ which has been specifically formulated to support sperm quality and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Limit exposure to toxins: Minimise exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, and chemicals that can contribute to oxidative stress.
  • Manage underlying health conditions: Work with your healthcare provider to manage any underlying health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease that may contribute to oxidative stress.
How is oxidative stress tested?
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

To determine if high oxidative stress is affecting your sperm, you may undergo specific tests aimed at assessing oxidative stress levels in semen and sperm.

One specific test that may be considered is the MiOXSYS test. This is a diagnostic tool used to assess oxidative stress levels in semen, specifically focusing on the level of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in seminal fluid. ORP is a measure of the balance between oxidants (such as reactive oxygen species) and antioxidants in the semen.

The MiOXSYS test involves collecting a semen sample and analysing it using an electrochemical method to measure ORP levels. By assessing oxidative stress levels, the MiOXSYS test can help identify individuals with high oxidative stress-related damage to sperm, even in cases where conventional semen analysis results appear normal and then guide them on the correct use of antioxidants.

How do I know if I have high oxidative stress?
An icon dictating the direction of the accordion

Signs that high oxidative stress is affecting sperm health include difficulty conceiving, abnormal semen analysis results (such as low sperm count or poor motility), recurrent pregnancy loss and potential repeated IVF / ICSI failures.If you suspect that high oxidative stress may be affecting your sperm health, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider, typically a urologist or fertility specialist, who can evaluate your symptoms, conduct appropriate tests, and provide personalised recommendations.

FAQ

Still not sure about completing the questionnaire? Check out the FAQ’s.

Still have a question?

Start your free assessment

When so many questions get missed elsewhere a quick, simple and free questionnaire could help you identify the missing part of the puzzle.

Debunking fertility myths

True or false?

A man’s BMI doesn’t impact his fertility
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

False – Obesity plays a significant role in a man’s fertility through oxidative stress, heat stress, DNA fragmentation and hormonal imbalances.

It’s ok to carry your mobile phone in your pocket!
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

False – Evidence has shown that although the true mechanism isn’t understood exposure to electromagnetic fields can impact sperm quality

Sedentary lifestyles decrease fertility
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

True – Sitting for long periods of time will negatively affect your sperm health through a number of mechanisms.

Plastics will impact your fertility
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

True – It is now well researched that plastics in our environment and food chain are impacting men’s hormones and their fertility.

Men should avoid hot baths and saunas if trying to conceive!
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

True – The testicles are outside the body for a reason, that is to keep them a bit cooler than core body temperature. High temperatures damage sperm.

Caffeine is bad for your sperm!
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

True and false – Some caffeine is ok for you but too much can be detrimental to your fertility.

Only 200 sperm make it to the egg!
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

True – Although men produce millions of sperm per ejaculation only around 200 will make it all the way to the egg. This is why it’s about numbers as well as quality

Storing your sperm up for longer will help your fertility?
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

False – Whilst it may increase your semen volume the quality of sperm will decline if it is stored up for too long. Men should be ejaculating every 2 -3 days.

Age doesn’t affect male fertility?
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

False – Men experience changes in many aspects of their health as they age including their fertility.

Fertility declines faster in women than in men
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

Fertility does decline faster in women due to the aging of eggs, while men may retain fertility longer, though quality can decline.

Fertility is solely determined by genetics
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

While genetics play a role in fertility, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and health conditions also significantly impact fertility.

Men can father children at any age
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

While men can father children later in life, advanced age can affect sperm quality and fertility.

Fertility treatments such as IVF guarantee pregnancy
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

Fertility treatments can increase the chances of conception in some cases, but they do not guarantee pregnancy, as success rates vary.

You should avoid exercise when trying to conceive
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

Moderate exercise is beneficial for overall health and can support fertility. However, excessive exercise may have the opposite effect.

Hot baths can harm fertility
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

Excessive heat exposure, such as from hot baths or saunas, can negatively affect male fertility by impacting sperm production.

Infertility is always a female issue
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

Infertility can affect both men and women. Male factors contribute to infertility in about 30-40% of cases.

Stress affects fertility
An icon indicating to hover

Hover the text to reveal the answer!

Stress can indeed affect fertility. High levels of stress may disrupt hormonal balance and sperm production

Podcast Icon
Our Podcast

Oxidative stress

In this episode we explore the ins and outs of oxidative stress, antioxidants and why it's all so important for sperm health.

Testhim News & Blog

All the info you might need about fertility

Episode 27 - Shafi Wardak on Azoospermia

The antioxidant paradox - Prof Ralf Henkel

Episode 26 - Nature's SAFE - biobanking for the future