The oxygen atmosphere under which we live produces a continuing barrage of oxidative damage to all biomolecules. The same reactions creating life may also be responsible for many pathologies in female reproduction due to free radicals. Oxidative stress is a state characterized by an imbalance between pro- oxidant molecules including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species and anti oxidant defences .Oxidative stress play a key role in female infertility, natural and assisted. Oxidative stress influences the entire reproductive life span of a woman. Imbalance between pro-oxidant and anti oxidant can lead to a no. of reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary disease, unexplained infertility. Pregnancy complication such as spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, pre eclampsia can develop in response to oxidative stress. The interventional strategies to overcome oxidative stress are highlighted. 

Keywords: Oxidative stress; Free radical; Reactive oxygen species; Reactive nitrogen species; Antioxidant; Infertility; ART.