Sperm DNA damage and seminal oxidative status after shock-wave lithotripsy for distal ureteral stones

Objective: To investigate the relationship between level of sperm DNA damage, seminal oxidative status, and shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) for distal ureteral stones. Design: Prospective study with control. Setting: Academic research institute. Patient(s): Men who had undergone SWL for distal and upper ureter stones. Intervention(s): Level of sperm DNA damage and seminal oxidative status assessed through the examination of semen on the day before and 3 days, and 3 months after SWL. Main Outcome Measure(s): DNA damage score and oxidative stress in semen parameters. Result(s): Sperm DNA damage score and semen total oxidant status (TOS) levels increased, but semen total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, sperm concentration, and motility decreased immediately after SWL. However, there were no statistically significant correlations between the DNA damage scores and the increased TAS and TOS levels in the study group. All of the changes returned completely to initial level during three months after SWL. Conclusion(s): SWL may affect fertility in men. Therefore, we suggest other treatment modalities, such as ureteroscopy, for young men with distal ureteral stones to prevent the development of male infertility. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011;96:1087-90. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)