Background: Between 30% and 80% of patients with male infertility produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their ejaculate even though the cause of male infertility is unexplained in approximately half of cases. The strong connection between oxidative stress (OS) and male infertility has led recent investigators to propose the term “Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI)” to describe OS‐associated male infertility.Methods: We searched the PubMed database for original and review articles to survey the effects of OS on male infertility, and then verified the effects and treatments.Main findings: Seminal plasma contains many antioxidants that protect sperm from ROS, because low amounts of ROS are required in the physiological fertilization process. The production of excessive ROS causes OS which can lower fertility through lipid peroxidation, sperm DNA damage, and apoptosis. Several assays are available for evaluating OS, including the MiOXSYS® analyzer to measure oxidation‐reduction potential. Several measures should be considered for minimizing OS and improving clinical outcomes.Conclusion: Accurately diagnosing patients with MOSI and identifying highly sensitive biomarkers through proteomics technology is vital for better clinical outcomes.

Background: At present, one out of six couples is infertile, and in 50% of cases, infertility is attributed to male infertility factors. Genetic abnormalities are found in 10%‐20% of patients showing severe spermatogenesis disorders, including non‐obstructive azoospermia.Methods: Literatures covering the relationship between male infertility and genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities were studied and summarized.Main findings (Results): Genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome, balanced reciprocal translocation, Robertsonian translocation, structural abnormalities in Y chromosome, XX male, azoospermic factor (AZF) deletions, and congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens were summarized and discussed from a practical point of view. Among them, understanding on AZF deletions significantly changed owing to advanced elucidation of their pathogenesis. Due to its technical progress, AZF deletion test can reveal their delicate variations and predict the condition of spermatogenesis. Thirty‐nine candidate genes possibly responsible for azoospermia have been identified in the last 10 years owing to the advances in genome sequencing technologies.Conclusion: Genetic testing for chromosomes and AZF deletions should be examined in cases of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Genetic counseling should be offered before and after genetic testing.

Shah R, et al. World J Mens Health. 2023 Jan;41(1):164-197. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.220048

Yumura Y, et al. World J Mens Health. 2023 Jan;41:e10. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.220102

Background: Newly emerging serious post‐treatment complications among young male cancer survivors involve fertility and sexual function, preventing them from pursuing a normal family life.Methods: We studied and summarized published studies that assess the relationship between cancer treatments and reduced spermatogenesis or sexual dysfunction.Main findings: Infertility often occurs because of anticancer therapies that impair spermatogenesis. While some patients postremission functionally recover fertility, others experience a decreased sperm count and azoospermia. Fertility‐preserving modalities are currently being promoted worldwide to preserve spermatogenesis following cancer therapy. Patients who can ejaculate and have sperm in their semen should cryopreserve semen. However, for patients who have never ejaculated before puberty or in whom spermatogenesis has not been established, testis biopsy is performed to collect and preserve sperm or germ cells. Fertility preservation is gaining popularity and requires continuous information dissemination to oncologists and cancer treatment professionals. Furthermore, male sexual dysfunction predominantly involves erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder.Conclusion: Although preventive and therapeutic methods for these disorders have been established within urology, patients and medical professionals in other fields remain uninformed of these advances. Therefore, dissemination of information regarding fertility preservation techniques should be accelerated.