What Are The Effects Of Advanced Paternal Age On Sperm DNA?

With age, every individual's body undergoes certain physiological changes. One such change that occurs with aging is a decline in our reproductive capacity. While research often focuses on how aging affects female fertility, the impact of advanced paternal age on male fertility is often neglected. This has led many to assume that aging has little effect on male reproductive capacity. ¹

However, studies indicate that as men age, their semen parameters, including semen volume, total sperm count, and motility, tend to decline. ¹ Additionally, research also suggests that older men (over 40) have an increased incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation than younger men.² In this article, we will learn further details on the effects of advanced paternal age on sperm DNA!

Effects Of Advanced Paternal Age On Sperm DNA Damage

According to studies, there are visible changes seen in a man’s sperm quantity during his early 30s. And as men cross 40 years of age, the quantity and proportion of viable sperm in their semen gradually decrease.³ It has also been seen that, sperm DNA damage increases with age which can be measured with the help of DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI).³ 

Here are some noteworthy findings that show the effects of advanced paternal age on sperm DNA damage:

• Men with advanced paternal age (45 years and above) have double the amount of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) values compared to those aged under 30. Here are some DFI rates observed across men above 30: ³

• Another study found that men above 50 years of age had 4.58 times higher chances of exhibiting sperm DNA fragmentation than males aged 21-30 years. ⁴

Furthermore, studies indicate that sperm DNA damage is associated with infertility and a prolonged time to conceive. Plus, DNA damage may also lead to unsuccessful pregnancy outcomes which cannot be evaluated by conventional semen parameters.⁵

A Way Forward…

We hope that you have understood the effects of advanced paternal age on sperm DNA damage. So, to all the men out there who are considering delayed parenthood, it’s time to track your sperm health! 

As we have learned earlier, sperm DNA fragmentation increases with age making it important to check your sperm health regularly. A convenient, comprehensive & confidential way to get clarity on your sperm DNA is LifeCell’s SpermVault. It is India’s first private long-term sperm bank that offers at-home self-collection of semen. This kit can provide insights into 11 sperm parameters (including DNA fragmentation) & 14 sperm health conditions. With SpermVault, you can also choose to store your sperm for 1, 5 or 10 years if you wish to embrace fatherhood later.

So gentlemen, if you wish to decode your sperm science inside out and get clarity into your reproductive health, call us at 1800 266 5533.