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Oxidative Stress in Fertility

Meaning

Oxidative stress in fertility refers to a state of biochemical imbalance within the reproductive tissues, including the ovaries, testes, and gametes, where the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelms the body’s intrinsic antioxidant defense capacity. This imbalance results in cellular damage to critical biomolecules like DNA, lipids, and proteins within the oocytes and sperm, compromising their function and viability. Clinically, excessive oxidative stress is a significant, measurable contributor to impaired gamete quality, reduced fertilization rates, and subsequent subfertility or infertility in both men and women.