Sperm donation age for men should be increased to 45 years, says a new study. On the basis of the findings of previous studies, the current age limit for sperm donation is set at 40 years.
A study by Newcastle Fertility at the Centre for Life said the age limit can be increased as they were able to find sperms that were sufficiently healthy. Dr. Meenakshi Choudhary said it is not about the age, but about sperm quality.
"Our results suggest that, up to the age of 45, there is little effect of male age on treatment outcome, but sperm donors are a selected population based on good sperm quality", stated Dr. Choudhary.
Dr. Choudhary further affirmed that their study will pass on a positive message to women that their chance would not be compromised even if they have to choose an older donor. Dr. Choudhary did agree that there are a few studies that have found age have an effect on DNA mutations.
The effect might lead to a higher rate of miscarriage, pregnancy loss and birth defect. The studies also suggested that increased paternal age was also associated with long-term disorders in offspring.
But Dr. Choudhary added that the available evidence is limited. Moreover, there is still no consensus with regard to advancing paternal age and fertility outcome. Professor Allan Pacey, chairman of the British Fertility Society, is not in favor of increasing sperm donation age.
He thinks that increasing the donation age limit to 45 could have ill effects on the health of children. Pacey further stated that there are about 5% of men, who apply for sperm donation, get accepted.
The study was based on the assessment of data stored by the fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Researchers evaluated the success of sperm donation from men between ages 20 and under 45.
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