BEIJING, May 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forty-five years has been identified as the critical age threshold at which high sperm DNA fragmentation significantly reduces fertility potential in men.
High levels of DNA fragmentation, defined as a breakdown of genetic material inside sperm, make it more difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg, leading to other potential adverse effects, including impaired embryonic development and higher miscarriage rates.
Advanced age is an established risk factor for elevated sperm DNA fragmentation. Existing studies suggest a gradual increase as men age, but the specific age at which it exceeds the clinical threshold is poorly defined.
However, new research presented at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) Congress in Beijing has revealed in which age range the high-risk threshold is crossed.
Clinical embryologist Ms Yixin Seow said men aged 45 to 49 have been identified as the age group in which a significant increase in sperm DNA fragmentation occurs compared to all younger cohorts.
His research team conducted a retrospective analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation records at a major Malaysian fertility center among 249 subjects divided into five age groups ranging from 30 years to 50 years and above.
“The results confirmed a gradual increase in DNA fragmentation across age groups, but particularly from the age of 45, after which it stabilizes with a minimal increase in men over 50,” Ms Seow said.
“While larger prospective studies are warranted, our research has clearly shown the age group in which fertility potential experiences a marked decline.
“We recommend counseling patients participating in assisted reproductive technology on the potential impact of advancing male age on the likely success of conception and continuation of pregnancy.
“Additionally, men aged 45 and older should consider testing sperm DNA fragmentation.”
Infertility affects one in six couples worldwide. It is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse or the inability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth. The causes of infertility are equally shared between male and female partners.
The ASPIRE Congress at the China National Convention Center in Beijing attracted nearly 3,000 scientists, clinicians, nurses and advisors specializing in assisted reproduction.
It shed light on the health of fertility in the Asia-Pacific region, which, like other regions of the world, is experiencing a worrying decline in fertility rates.
ASPIRE is a unique Asia-Pacific working group of specialists in fertility management and assisted reproductive technologies, and it is dedicated to improving access to quality treatment for people suffering from infertility in the region.
For more information on the ASPIRE 2026 Congress, visit https://www.aspire2026.com
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SOURCE ASPIRE
