Unveiling the male factor: how aging and sperm defects influence IVF success

Unveiling the male factor: how aging and sperm defects influence IVF success

Infertility is no longer viewed as a female-centered issue, recent research highlights the important role of males in determining reproductive success.

In recent years couples have been delaying parenthood and many men become parents above the age of 40.

Studies have shown that paternal age above 40-45 affects fertility and IVF success.

Studies has also shown that abnormal sperm morphology largely affects IVF success too.

How does advanced paternal age affects fertility?

** decreasing sperm quality with age

** decreased sperm motility

** increased DNA fragmentation

** higher percentage of abnormal morphology

** lower sperm count

** lower semen volume

** lower fertilization rates

** poor quality embryos

** reduced implantation potential

** increased rate of miscarriage

** lower live birth rate

** higher genetic risks such as: mutations, autism and congenital anomalies

All of the above-mentioned also decrease the success of IVF in advanced paternal age.

How does abnormal sperm morphology affect IVF success?

** lower fertilization rate

** lower embryo quality

** higher rate of embryo arrest

** slower rate of embryo development

** lower implantation rate

** increased rate of biochemical pregnancy and early pregnancy loss

How to solve lower IVF success rate related to advanced paternal age?

** lifestyle optimization (exercise, good sleep, weight control, no smoking or alcohol)

** use antioxidants

** treat varicocele if present

** use advanced sperm technologies for selection of the best sperm in laboratories

** testicular sperm extraction in cases with high DNA fragmentation

How to improve IVF success rate in cases with high rate of abnormal sperm morphology?

** use advanced sperm technologies for selection of the best sperm in laboratories

** use intracytoplasmic sperm injection instead of conventional IVF

** lifestyle optimization (exercise, good sleep, weight control, no smoking or alcohol)

** use antioxidants

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist