Is the sperm abnormality rate of IVF related to male age?
Test tube baby technology (assisted reproductive technology) is an important breakthrough in modern medicine, making many infertile couples realize their dream of childbirth. However, some studies have shown that the sperm abnormality rate of IVF may be related to the age of men. This article will elaborate on the following aspects.
1. Abnormal morphology of sperm
The increasing age of men will lead to an increase in the rate of abnormal sperm morphology. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2012 showed that the abnormal rate of sperm morphology of men over 40 years old was relatively high compared with young men. These sperm with abnormal morphology may not be able to fertilize the egg through natural fertilization, thus increasing the difficulty of achieving fertility through IVF technology.
In addition, sperm with abnormal morphology may bring risks of genetic defects to the fetus. Studies have shown that compared with normal sperm morphology, abnormal sperm morphology significantly increases the risk of embryonic development defects. Therefore, the growth of male age may affect the quality of IVF embryos and the success rate of pregnancy.
2. The number and vitality of sperm decrease
With the growth of age, the number and vitality of male sperm will gradually decline. A study published in the Journal of Fertility and Infertility showed that when men were over 40 years old, their sperm concentration and total number decreased significantly, while men under 40 years old were not affected by age. In addition, compared with young men, older men also had lower sperm motility. These factors may lead to a decrease in the pregnancy rate of IVF.
In addition, the decrease of sperm number and motility may also increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. As the number of sperm with chromosome abnormalities increases, the risk of fetal chromosome abnormalities also increases. Therefore, the increase of male age may increase the probability of chromosome abnormalities in IVF fetuses.
3. Transmission of mutant genes
The increasing age of men may increase the transmission risk of mutant genes. Studies have shown that men's age is associated with the risk of certain genetic diseases, such as autism and congenital heart disease. These mutant genes may be passed to the next generation through sperm, leading to an increased risk of IVF disease.
In addition, older men are more likely to carry mutant genes than younger men. Therefore, the influence of male age on the risk of hereditary diseases should be considered when selecting IVF technology.
4. Research and clinical cases
The research on the relationship between the sperm malformation rate of IVF and male age has gradually increased, and some meaningful conclusions have been drawn. For example, a study conducted by Stanford University Medical Center in California found that the increase of father's age was related to the decrease of the success rate of embryo implantation. In addition, there are also some cases in practice that show that the success rate of pregnancy is low when older men participate in the IVF process.
In general, there is a certain correlation between the sperm abnormality rate of IVF and the male age. The growth of male age may lead to abnormal sperm morphology, decreased sperm quantity and vitality, and increased risk of mutation gene transmission, thus affecting the success rate of IVF pregnancy and embryo quality. Therefore, when choosing IVF technology, we should consider the male age factors comprehensively to improve the fertility success rate and reduce the risk of genetic diseases in children.
