The Impact of Age on Semen Parameters among Patients Referred from an Infertility Clinic: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract Background: Infertility affects a significant proportion of couples globally, with male factors contributing substantially to these cases. While the impact of female reproductive aging is well-documented, the influence of male age on fertility remains less thoroughly understood. Understanding age-related changes in male semen parameters is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective counselling in clinical infertility settings. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analysed semen analysis reports in the Department of Pathology collected between 2022 and 2024 from 285 men aged 22 to 50 years referred from an infertility clinic at MIMS, Mandya. Participants were categorized into three age groups: 20–30 years (n=95), 31–40 years (n=120), and > 41 years (n=70). Parameters measured included semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, normal morphology, and abnormal morphology. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation tests with SPSS v26.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A statistically significant decline with increasing age was observed for semen volume (p<0.001), normal sperm morphology (p=0.012), progressive motility (p=0.030), and non-progressive motility (p=0.032). Specifically, semen volume decreased by 23.6% in the 41 years group compared to the 20-30 years group, while normal forms showed an 8.9% relative decrease in the oldest group. Progressive motility experienced a substantial 31.2% drop in the oldest group versus the youngest. Conversely, sperm concentration and total sperm count did not show statistically significant age-related changes. Abnormal sperm morphology significantly increased with age (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Advancing paternal age negatively impacts semen volume, progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology, particularly in men aged 41 years and older. Sperm concentration and total count remained stable across age groups in this cohort. These findings underscore the importance of considering male age in clinical fertility evaluations and counselling for couples planning families.