MiOXSYS oxidative stress test

Examination of sperm oxidative stress with the MiOXSYS test

Oxidative stress on the semen is an offshoot of the lifestyle we lead - excess stress, poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. 

According to the World Health Organisation

Infertility affects approximately 15% couples worldwide - of which the male factor plays a significant role in up to 60% couples with diagnosed infertility.

Approximately 40 % men diagnosed with reproductive dysfunction have normal semen parameters, so extended diagnostics to determine the cause of infertility is indicated especially in this group of patients.

What is oxidative stress?

One common cause of male infertility may be oxidative stress in sperm. The stress state is caused by an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralisation and removal by the body's oxidative system. A small equilibrium level of RFT production is a physiological state, but excessive levels lead to cellular DNA damage and apoptosis (i.e. programmed cell death).

What influences infertility in men?

In the case of spermatozoa, excess RFTs impair their motility and reduce biological function, resulting in infertility in men.

Causes of oxidative stress

External factors:

  • environmental toxicity,

  • lifestyle - e.g. smoking, drinking alcohol,

  • obesity,

  • ageing of the body.

Among internal factors inflammatory processes of the genitourinary tract caused by:

  • varicose veins of the spermatic cord,

  • untreated infections,

  • systemic diseases - e.g. diabetes.

In accordance with the recommendations of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the Invimed clinic provides an extended diagnosis of male infertility - the MiOXSYS oxidative stress test.

What is the MiOXSYS test?

MiOXSYS is the most accurate and currently fastest oxidative stress test available. It is a qualitative electrochemical test that measures sORP, the Static oxidation-reduction potential in semen, is described as the ratio between the total oxidising activity and the total reducing activity.

MiOXSYS tests have been clinically validated at a cut-off value of 1.38mV/106 sperm/ml. A test result up to 1.38mV/106 sperm/ml, indicates a balanced sORP level. If the test result is 1.38mV/106

Who is the oxidation test for?

Extended diagnosis of male infertility for oxidative stress is mandated by the andrologist and recommended for patients diagnosed with:

  • infertility of unknown origin (idiopathic),

  • varicose veins of the spermatic cord,

  • infections,

  • inflammatory conditions,

  • abnormal semen parameters,

  • previous treatment failures with assisted reproductive techniques.

How to prepare for a semen test?

  • A period of sexual abstinence (abstaining from ejaculation) of exactly 3-5 days is required before the test.

Important: An abstinence time that is too short can falsify the result, which may result in lower sperm concentration. Longer periods of abstinence from ejaculation can reduce sperm viability.

  • Refrain from alcohol consumption 3 to 5 days before the test. Alcohol can cause impaired spermatogenesis.

For more on semen testing, visit: https://www.invimed.pl/badanie-nasienia

Substantive consultation:

dr n. vet. Marta Bogucka - Head of embryology laboratory at Invimed Warsaw

Dr Piotr Dzigowski - Specialist urologist, clinical andrologist at Invimed Warsaw