Effect of aging on semen and embryonic developmental scores in assisted reproductive technology

PURPOSE: The effects of female aging on fertility have been extensively studied; however, this is not the case for aging males. Embryonic selection using time-lapse observations is helpful for successful embryo transfer; however, information on the effect of male aging on time-lapse is insufficient. We analyzed the impact of paternal aging on sperm characteristics, embryonic developmental kinetics, embryo evaluation score, and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We used data from patients treated at our clinic between January 2020 and December 2022. We evaluated the effects of aging in men and women on semen data, in vitro fertilization (IVF) results, developmental kinetics, embryo evaluation scores, and embryo transfer outcomes using a retrospective approach. RESULTS: Male aging adversely affected the semen characteristics. Although female aging had adverse effects on IVF, embryonic developmental kinetics, and embryo transfer outcomes, male aging did not have such a significant impact. Female aging decreased the iDAScore and Gardner criteria, whereas male aging did not affect the iDAScore. CONCLUSIONS: Aging in males had a negative effect on semen data. Contrary to the impact of aging on women, aging in men did not have a significant effect on embryo and gestation rates following embryo transfer.