Abayomi Ajayi1, Victor Ajayi1, Adedamilola Atiba1, Ifeoluwa Oyetunji1, Oluwafunmilola Biobaku1, and Bamgboye M. Afolabi2*

Abstract
Background: The main aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of advanced paternal age on semen volume, liquefaction, sperm concentration, motility and sperm morphology among an indigenous urban black African population.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective and crosssectional study carried out between 2010 and 2015 on a sample of 505 apparently healthy adult males who presented for assisted conception at Nordica Fertility Center in Nigeria for secondary infertility. Paternal age (years) was categorized into < 40, 40–44, 45–49, and > 49. Sperm was collected by masturbation and examined within 60 minutes of collection. Analysis was done using STATA 13 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Overall means (± SD) of age (years) and BMI were 42.5 (7.2) and 27.4 (4.5) respectively. Means of seminal fluid volume (ml), liquefaction time (mins) and progressive motility (%) at age < 40 (2.3 ± 1.4 ml; 28.9 ± 7.5 and 39.9 ± 22.4 respectively) were significantly higher (t = 2.50, p – value = 0.007; t = -1.87, p – value = 0.03 and t = 1.76, p –value = -0.04 respectively) than that at age > 49 years. There was no significant difference in sperm count (× 106/ml) in all age groups. There was no important statistical alteration in sperm cell morphologies regardless of age difference. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that paternal age significantly correlated with seminal fluid volume (r = -0.02, t = -2.65, p – value = 0.008) but not with motility or sperm count.

Conclusion: The study showed that paternal age may influence some semen parameters such as volume and liquefaction time. These may serve as useful points of consideration in assisted conception when dealing with male patients older than 49 years.

Keywords: Advanced paternal age; Semen volume; Sperm concentration; Motility; Morphology

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