[Oxidative stress and fertility: false evidence and bad recipes]

Worldwide statistics agree that at least one out of six couples has fertility problems. If the male gamete is the origin of this problem, it is generally admitted that the oxidative stress is involved. Modern life has obviously increased fertility problems through pesticides, xenoestrogenes, endocrine disrupting chemicals involved in plastic technology such as polychlorinated bisphenyls, bisphenol A, phthalates and alkylphenols… and other cosmetic additives. An important part of these compounds increases oxidative stress, at least in part. Oxidative stress is more than probably at the origin or recurrent increasing pathologies such as endometriosis. If the oocyte is theoretically able to repair oxidative stress linked decays such as DNA fragmentation and oxidation of bases, its capacity is finite and decreasing with age. In order to decrease DNA repair charge, reducing or even avoiding the generation of DNA damages related to reactive oxygen species through consumption of antioxidants compounds is often tempting: however Reasons will be provided to break from current treatments given haphazardly in the population in the age of reproduction, as well as the potential risks of over-exposure. Furthermore recommended treatments, in relation with the new concepts in oxidative stress, will be specified.