A recent international study has found that men over 45 years old who father children through in vitro fertilization (IVF) face a higher risk of miscarriage. The research also shows these couples have lower live birth rates, even when young donor eggs are used.
The study was presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. It analyzed 1,712 IVF cycles from six centers in Italy and Spain, conducted between 2019 and 2023. All cycles used fresh eggs from young donors and frozen sperm from male partners. The average age of the female recipients was 43.3 years.
Researchers divided the men into two groups: those aged 45 or younger, and those older than 45. They found that fertilization rates and embryo development were similar in both groups.
However, miscarriage rates were significantly higher when the father was over 45, at 23.8%, compared to 16.3% in the younger group. Live birth rates were also lower in the older group, at 35.1% versus 41% for younger men.
This study highlights the important role paternal age plays in reproductive success. It challenges the common belief that sperm age has little effect after fertilization. The findings suggest that older paternal age increases the risk of pregnancy loss and reduces the chances of a live birth in IVF treatments.
Experts note that while advanced maternal age has long been known to affect pregnancy outcomes, the impact of older paternal age is gaining recognition. This information may be important for couples considering IVF, especially when the male partner is an older millennial or beyond.
In summary, men over 45 face greater risks of miscarriage and lower live birth rates in IVF, even when using young donor eggs. Couples and doctors should consider paternal age as a significant factor in fertility planning and counseling.
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