Men’s Age Linked to Increased IVF Miscarriage Risk

Recent research has highlighted the significant impact of men’s age on miscarriage rates in IVF pregnancies, underscoring that paternal age is a crucial factor in fertility outcomes. Although men produce sperm throughout their lives, fertility declines significantly as men age, particularly after 45.

The study, conducted by Dr Maria Cristina Guglielmo at the Eugin clinic in Italy and presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology’s annual meeting, examined IVF cycles involving donor eggs from younger women (average age 26.1 years). Crucially, it found that even when controlling for maternal age, the risk of miscarriage increased notably when male partners were over 45 years old.

Specifically, miscarriage rates rose from 16.3% among men aged 45 or younger, to 23.8% for men older than 45. Live birth rates similarly decreased from 41% among younger men to 35.1% in the older age group.

The key issue appears to be the integrity of sperm DNA. Older men have a higher risk of sperm DNA fragmentation, which can negatively affect embryo quality and development, significantly increasing miscarriage risks.

These findings emphasise the need for fertility clinics to provide comprehensive counselling to couples, addressing not just maternal age, but also the significant role of paternal age. Dr Guglielmo stressed the importance of ensuring men are fully informed about the impact their age can have on fertility potential, IVF success rates, and pregnancy outcomes.

At MAMA Academy, we strongly advocate for proactive fertility awareness and encourage prospective parents to consider both maternal and paternal age when planning for pregnancy. Supporting couples with this information can help reduce the risk of miscarriage and contribute positively to pregnancy outcomes, aligning closely with our mission to prevent stillbirth and miscarriage through education and awareness.