Infertility in the Aging Male.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• The average age of paternity is increasing globally.
• While the impact of maternal age on fertility is well-established, the effects of paternal age are less understood.
• Paternal age influences male fertility, reproductive outcomes, and offspring health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on how paternal age affects semen parameters.
• To examine the impact of paternal age on reproductive success (both unassisted and assisted).
• To summarize the effects of paternal age on offspring health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of contemporary evidence.
• Synthesis of findings on semen parameters, sperm genetics, and fertility.
• Analysis of reproductive outcomes and offspring health risks associated with paternal age.

Main Results:

• Older men exhibit poorer semen parameters, including genetic alterations in sperm.
• Unassisted pregnancy success rates are lower with older fathers.
• While most studies indicate negative effects of paternal age on assisted reproduction, some results conflict.
• Offspring of older men have an increased risk of health issues, notably neuropsychiatric conditions.

Conclusions:

• Increasing paternal age is associated with declining semen quality and potential reproductive challenges.
• Counseling for older men should include information on potential reproductive risks and offspring health concerns.
• Further research is needed to clarify the impact of paternal age on assisted reproductive technologies.