The role of seminal fluid in infertility.

Approximately 15% of couples worldwide are considered infertile, with up to 50% due to a defect in the male reproductive physiology. Many of these latter defects are idiopathic or genetically related and mostly focused on the spermatozoon and as such, the majority of studies to date have focused mainly on disorders related with the sperm cell. In this review, the importance of seminal fluid integrity and its effect on the female reproductive physiology is described in the context of male infertility. Human seminal plasma contains a vast array of proteins which are required for an optimal physiological function of the sperm and their effect on the female reproductive physiology. Moreover, proteins are being extensively investigated as biomarkers for diseases such as prostate cancer and male infertility. This may give an indication to the best choice of ART the individual male should opt for when partners choose to start a family.