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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Advancing Male Infertility Research by Unraveling Sperm Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function
Published on: June 23, 2023
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Idiopathic male infertility - what are we missing?
Luca Boeri1, Hussein Kandil2, Jonathan Ramsay3
1Department of Urology, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Arab Journal of Urology
|August 1, 2025
Summary
Idiopathic male infertility (IMI) affects 30% of men with reduced sperm quality. Advanced diagnostics like sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress tests, alongside AI, offer new hope for diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Genetics
Background:
- Male factor infertility affects 50% of infertile couples, with 30% diagnosed as idiopathic male infertility (IMI).
- IMI presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges despite advances in male infertility management.
- Standard semen analysis has limitations in assessing sperm's true fertilizing potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a comprehensive diagnostic approach for men with idiopathic male infertility.
- To explore novel pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to IMI.
- To discuss emerging and established treatment strategies for IMI.
Main Methods:
- Detailed medical history and physical examination to identify treatable causes.
- Advanced semen analysis including sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and oxidative stress measurements.
- Utilizing imaging, genetic, and epigenetic investigations for classification and prognosis.
Main Results:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress are crucial markers for IMI assessment.
- Epigenetic changes play a role in sperm production and fertility outcomes.
- Antioxidant therapies and gonadotropins show promise in improving sperm quality and SDF.
Conclusions:
- A multi-faceted diagnostic approach beyond standard semen analysis is essential for IMI.
- Emerging tools like epigenetic analysis and AI can enhance IMI management.
- Targeted treatments, including antioxidants and gonadotropins, can improve fertility outcomes in IMI patients.
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