How Paternal Age Affects IVF Outcomes
When IVF cycles fail or pregnancies end in loss, many women instinctively turn inward, asking themselves, What did I do wrong? In a system that has often medicalized and scrutinized the female body, it’s all too easy for women to carry the emotional burden alone. But new findings presented at the 2025 ESHRE Annual Meeting may challenge that narrative—and open up space for a more compassionate, balanced understanding of fertility.
This recent research, presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), explored the effect of paternal age on outcomes in donor egg IVF cycles. While the full peer-reviewed study is not yet published, the preliminary data suggests that male partner age can have a significant impact—even when egg quality is controlled through egg donation.
Key Findings
Based on preliminary data presented at the 41st ESHRE Annual Meeting, this retrospective analysis covered 1,712 first donor‑egg IVF cycles across six clinics in Italy and Spain (2019–2023):
Miscarriage risk was approximately 23.8% when the male partner was over 45, compared to 16.3% when the male partner was 45 or younger.
Live birth rate dropped from 41% in men aged 45 or younger to 35.1% in men over age 45.
Fertilisation and embryo development metrics were nearly identical across both age groups, suggesting the differences were specific to later stages like implantation and pregnancy progression.
Why This Matters
In my work with clients, I often hear women carry enormous guilt over failed IVF attempts or early pregnancy loss. Even when donor eggs are used—removing one variable of egg quality—many women still internalize the outcome. This study offers a powerful reminder: conception and pregnancy are not just about the uterus or egg. The male partner's age and health play a role too.
This isn’t about shifting blame; it’s about sharing it more honestly. Fertility is a complex system influenced by both partners. Knowing that paternal age can impact outcomes allows couples to approach treatment with more information, less shame, and more realistic expectations.
If you’ve felt like you’re carrying this weight alone—please know: it was never just yours to carry.
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