Reproductive parameters of older compared to younger men of infertile couples

TLDR

The study aimed to assess how male age affects infertility by comparing semen quality, hormone levels, and pregnancy outcomes among older (>50 yr) and younger (<30 yr) men in a fertility clinic. Researchers retrospectively matched 39 men over 50 with 39 men under 30 and another 39 younger men whose wives were older, using clinic visit dates to control for time. Older men showed reduced intercourse frequency, longer abstinence, lower ejaculate volume and motility, altered testosterone and FSH levels, and fewer pregnancies, leading to the conclusion that the female partner’s age is the key determinant of fertility in these couples.

Abstract

In order to evaluate possible age-dependent influences on male infertility, semen parameters, sex hormone levels and pregnancy rates were compared retrospectively in three groups of men attending our fertility clinic: group A: 39 patients > 50 years. Group B (39 patients < 30 years) was established as the 'standard infertile patient' seen in our Institute. These patients were matched with patients of group A according to the year of their first visit to the clinic. Group C: 39 young patients (< 30 years) who were selected on the basis of their wives' advanced age. The frequency of sexual intercourse in group A was significantly lower compared to group C. The period of sexual abstinence was longer in group A than in group B. Ejaculate volume and sperm motility in group A were lower compared to groups B and C. The differences in other semen parameters were only minor. The differences in serum levels of testosterone and FSH were significant between group A and groups B and C. Pregnancies were reported in 6 of 26 couples from group A (duration of infertility: mean 79 months, range 16-187), in 17 of 28 couples from group B (duration of infertility; mean 54 months, range 16-104) and in nine of 30 couples from group C (duration of infertility; mean 66 months, range 25-125). Since the infertility pattern of the older patients desiring offspring was not significantly different from that of younger patients, it is concluded that the age of the female partner, rather than the age of the husband, is most important in determining the fertility chances of couples presenting with infertility.