Frequency of subnormal hypoosmotic swelling tests increase with advancing age of the male.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if there is an increased frequency of abnormal hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tests when testing semen in males of advanced reproductive age.


METHODS
Ten-year retrospective review according to six age groups (< or = 29.9, 30-34.9, 35-39.9, 40-44.9, 45.0-49.9, and > or = 50).


RESULTS
Compared to males < 35 years old, the frequency of HOS scores < 50% doubles in males 45-49.9 and quadruples in males > or = 50.


CONCLUSIONS
Males with low HOS scores despite having no problem with fertilization of the oocytes rarely achieve a pregnancy because of embryo implantation defects unless intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed. Thus at least one abnormality seen in sperm of males of advanced reproductive age is correctable by performing in vitro fertilization with ICSI.
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Camden, NJ, USA. laurie@ccivf.com
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Kramer
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Bollendorf
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Wilson
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055101:Semen Analysis