<\/span><\/h2>\nAge affects semen production in men. As a man ages, his testes produce fewer healthy sperm and increase in malformed sperm. The quality of sperm is known to decrease with age and contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the cause of this decline is not fully understood. Some of the possible causes include increased oxidative stress, reduced Sertoli cell function, and decreased testicular perfusion.<\/p>\n
To understand the effect of aging on semen production, researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. They analyzed 90 previous studies. These studies included men aged 45 and older.<\/p>\n
Semen volume, motility, morphology, and count were evaluated. Median values were calculated for the age quartile and compared with the WHO reference values. A statistical test, Wilcoxon test, was used for > 2 groups. Sperm quality was also examined, with a sperm DNA fragmentation index.<\/p>\n
Researchers found significant reductions in both sperm morphology and volume with age. This was particularly true for men aged 55 and older.<\/p>\n