Is Age Related to Sperm Parameters?

Introduction:

There is conflicting data regarding the relationship between aging and sperm parameters, and no evidence of threshold exist.

Aim:

To evaluate the relationship between age and various semen parameters, in order to determine an age cut-off.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2009 and 2017. Study population included 11,193 consecutive semen analyses, collected as part of the basic fertility evaluation of 6,819 patients. Semen analyses were performed according to WHO criteria.

A logistic regression models, controlling for confounders including age, BMI and smoking status was used.

Results:

Semen parameters of 7,712 specimens obtained from young men (18-34) were compared to parameters of 2,680 specimens from older man (35-45). The group of ages 35-45 had a higher BMI compared to the younger man (27.1±7.7 vs 25.6±6.9, p0.001), and contained less smokers (43.2% vs 44.2%, p<0.001). Evaluation of the semen analyses demonstrated that the older group had lower semen volume compared to the younger group (2.8±1.6 vs 3.0±1.6 ml, p=0.001). The motility and progressive motility were lower in the older group compared to the younger group (48.5%±22.4 vs 50.3%±21.8 p<0.001, 41.9%±21.7 vs 44.0%±21.3, p<0.001, respectively). Sperm concentration was higher in the older group than in the younger group (53.6±49.6 vs 48.8±45.1 X106/ml, p<0.001). No significant differences in the total sperm number, total motile count and morphology were observed.

Conclusion:

Men above 35 years show a higher rate of reduced sperm motility, in particular progressive motility, but not oligozoospermia. The findings in older man can be related with a reduced fertility potential.