The effects of aging on semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation

This study aimed to look into possible correlations between male age and different sperm parameters derived from semen analysis and sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation.

This retrospective descriptive study included 2681 male patients who underwent semen analysis at Clínica Las Condes (CLC), Santiago, Chile, between January 2014 and May 2017; correlations between age and sperm parameters were analyzed.

Males above the age of 50 were significantly more likely to present anomalies in semen volume, sperm concentration, and sperm DNA fragmentation; males aged 41+ years were more likely to have lower sperm concentration levels; males aged 31+ years were more likely to have decreased sperm motility; when concentration was constant, more volume and motility anomalies were seen as age increased; when volume was kept constant, more motility and concentration anomalies were seen as age increased; and when motility was constant, normal semen volumes decreased as age increased.

Our study showed that male age significantly affects sperm parameters that might have an impact on male fertility.