Male Infertility Linked to Fewer Usable Embryos in Donor Egg IVF

MALE FACTOR infertility was associated with fewer embryos suitable for transfer in donor egg IVF cycles, while embryo yield did not differ significantly across male age groups, according to a US registry analysis. 

The study examined a specific stage of fertility treatment: how many embryos reached biopsy and how many were considered suitable for transfer. Its findings may help frame discussions about expected embryo yield, but do not directly establish pregnancy or live birth outcomes. 

Separating Age from Infertility 

Researchers analysed Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology registry data from 2017–2022. The analysis focused on cycles using nonidentified donor oocytes and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. 

Using donor eggs helped reduce the influence of the female partner’s own egg-related factors when assessing male characteristics. Male age was grouped into categories ranging from under 30 to 50 years and older. 

The numbers of embryos biopsied and suitable for transfer did not differ significantly across these age categories. 

Fewer Embryos Available for Transfer 

Across cycles with and without male infertility diagnoses, the median number of embryos biopsied was five. 

However, cycles without a male infertility diagnosis had a median of four embryos suitable for transfer, compared with three in cycles with such a diagnosis.  

This difference suggests that reaching the biopsy stage and producing embryos available for transfer are distinct outcomes. Similar numbers at one stage do not necessarily mean that the same number will remain available for the next. 

Understanding Genetic Testing 

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, often shortened to PGT-A, assesses whether sampled embryo cells have an abnormal chromosome number. Its results can inform embryo selection, but the test has limitations and does not guarantee implantation or the birth of a healthy child. 

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also cautions that the value of PGT-A as a routine screening approach has not been demonstrated for all IVF patients. Counselling needs to consider individual circumstances and explain how test results could affect decisions about embryo transfer. 

The present study therefore should not be interpreted as evidence that every donor egg cycle requires genetic testing.  

Implications for Counselling 

The findings support discussing male infertility diagnoses separately from paternal age when considering expected embryo availability. 

They also illustrate why counselling should distinguish between embryo numbers, transfer suitability and eventual treatment success. A difference in usable embryo yield does not tell an individual couple exactly how many treatment attempts they will need. 

Because the analysis concerns donor egg cycles involving PGT-A, its conclusions should remain within that setting. It cannot rule out other effects of paternal age or establish the same pattern in cycles using a patient’s own eggs. 

Reference 

 Chemerinski A et al. Male factor infertility diagnoses, but not male age, significantly affect the yield of usable embryos in donor oocyte cycles. Fertil Steril. 2026;126(4):640–647.