Antioxidants and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: A review of the literature

Abstract

The present review examines whether and to which extent the antioxidant drugs have a role in the management of patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Subfertility and especially semen parameters disorders presented as OAT have been associated with increased oxidative stress and on this basis, several studies of antioxidants administration toward its treatment have been carried out. In the limits of this literature review and by using scientific publications search engines (PubMed, Medscape, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar), 285 related studies were found in total. Among them, the 34 more relevant to the investigated topic, with a complete statistical analysis, were isolated and included in the present review. It seems that there is a significant positive impact of antioxidants on semen parameters' improvement and childbearing. However, these studies are quite heterogeneous and more studies are required, for safe conclusions to be extracted. Administration of antioxidants to those men should be a matter of individualized approach.