Recent studies have shown that 60% of failures during in vitro fertilization are caused by a violation of the reproductive health of men. Which factors determine the male component of the success of conception?

The primary study to evaluate a man’s reproductive ability is a standard spermogram. This test allows to evaluate the morphology of sperm cells, their activity and concentration. However, decrease in fertility is recorded in more often than 40% of cases, even if sperm characteristics are within the normal range. Because of this, specialists are not limited to one study. To obtain a more objective picture of men's health, measurement oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation is recommended.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance of oxygen free radicals in semen. Normally, a small amount is allowed for the productive functioning of sperm. If the amount of free radicals exceeds the established limits, they trigger a chain reaction, which leads to a violation of the integrity and death of spermcells.

The reasons leading to oxidative stress of sperm are:

• Bad habits such as smoking, drug use, alcohol abuse;
• Unbalanced nutrition;
• Weight disorders (dystrophy, overweight);
• Sexual abstinence over a long period;
• Increased physical activity;
• Varicocele;
• Neoplasms and injuries of the scrotum.

MiOXSYS Analyzer technology is used to diagnose oxidative stress. It allows you to measure the level of free radicals in a semen sample in real time in a short time and, in combination with a spermogram, give an objective and accurate assessment of the quality of the seminal fluid.

An oxidative stress test is recommended for all men planning a conception. However, it is especially important to control the level of oxygen free radicals in semen in cases when the couple had:

• repeated miscarriages;
• 3 or more unsuccessful IVF attempts;
• male infertility of unknown etiology;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases (in particular prostatitis);
• factors provoking oxidative stress.

After a simple study, a fertility specialist obtains the data giving the possibility to make a correct diagnosis, promptly prescribe effective antioxidant therapy and give recommendations on how to make changes in a man’s lifestyle.