Significant Impact of Advanced Paternal Age on IVF Success Rates Revealed at ESHRE Conference

A pivotal international study unveiled today at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has drawn attention to the substantial risks tied to older paternal age in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This comprehensive research underscores that men over 45 years old face significantly increased miscarriage rates and a lower likelihood of live births, even when using healthy donor eggs from younger women.

Conducted across six IVF centers in Italy and Spain from 2019 to 2023, the study analyzed 1,712 first oocyte donation cycles. By exclusively utilizing fresh donor eggs and frozen sperm, the researchers effectively isolated paternal age, providing strong evidence contrary to the prevalent belief that male age has minimal impact post-fertilization.

The participants were categorized into two distinct groups: those aged 45 or younger (1,066 participants) and those over 45 (646 participants). Despite similarities in fertilization rates and embryo development, the discrepancies in clinical outcomes were striking. The results revealed a miscarriage rate of 23.8% among older fathers compared to 16.3% for their younger counterparts. Additionally, only 35.1% of the older paternal group achieved live births, in contrast to a rate of 41% for men aged 45 or younger.

Dr. Maria Cristina Guglielmo, an embryologist at Eugin Italy, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, "Historically, the focus in reproductive medicine has been on maternal age. However, our research indicates that the age of the male partner significantly influences outcomes, independent of female factors. Despite using high-quality embryos and young donor eggs, we observed poorer results in men over 45."

Furthermore, Dr. Guglielmo highlighted the potential implications for the health of offspring. There is mounting evidence suggesting a correlation between advanced paternal age and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Future research aims to delve deeper into the long-term health and developmental outcomes of children conceived through donor egg cycles with older fathers, allowing for a clearer understanding of paternal effects.

This study’s abstract has been published today in "Human Reproduction," a leading journal in the field of reproductive medicine. The findings challenge existing narratives and encourage further dialogue on the implications of paternal age in fertility treatments, signaling a need for practitioners to consider male age as a significant factor in reproductive success.

This research serves as a reminder that while women's reproductive ages have traditionally garnered the most attention, the age of male partners deserves equal consideration. As families navigate the complexities of IVF, understanding the impact of paternal age can guide informed decisions for prospective parents.

The outcomes of this study at ESHRE not only contribute valuable insights to reproductive health but also underscore the necessity of continued research in the evolving field of fertility and assisted reproductive technologies.