Effect of Male Age on Pregnancy Outcome

In December 2022 a number of review articles* have appeared on the topic of Older males and reproductive outcomes. There is now evidence being presented that older paternal male age is associated with an increased incidence of reduced fertility, birth defects and neurodevelopmental conditions.

These risks are still considered “small” and at this time there is no specific routine testing to identify those at risk.

Furthermore there is very little information about the association of young eggs (donor) and older males although earlier literature suggested that young eggs are able to counteract certain sperm issues such as DNA fragmentation which could affect outcomes.

At this point in time there is no specific directives from the various international fertility bodies to suggest that older males should not proceed to attempt conception.

1. M Jimbo et al, Fertil Steril 2022, 118: 1022-34
2. K Wood et al, Fertil Steril 2022, 118: 1001-12
3. J E Zweiful et al, Fertil Steril 2022, 118: 1013-21