We have been asked this question many times: “I am a healthy 45-year-old: why can’t I be a sperm donor?” or “Men father children into their 60s: so why am I ‘too old’ to be a sperm donor at 40?” In reproductive medicine, age limits for sperm donors are not a judgment of an individual’s health but rather standardized medical and ethical guidelines used by fertility clinics and professional organizations.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) emphasizes the importance of informed consent, maturity, and careful risk assessment when establishing donor criteria. While ASRM does not mandate a strict upper age limit, many clinics adopt an upper limit commonly at 39 years to align with best clinical practices and reduce potential age-related risks to offspring.
These age limits are supported by biological and clinical evidence. As men age, sperm undergoes changes such as decreased motility and morphology, increased DNA fragmentation, and a higher rate of de novo genetic mutations. These changes are not always detectable in routine semen analysis and can occur even in otherwise healthy men.
Research also suggests that advancing paternal age may affect sperm genetic and epigenetic factors, which can influence embryo development and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, as well as higher miscarriage rates. ASRM’s 2025 Ethics Committee opinion on assisted reproduction with advancing parental age highlights these risks and encourages clinics to develop
clear written policies and provide counseling about age-related considerations for donors.
Ultimately, sperm donor age limits are designed to protect recipients, offspring, and donor programs. By selecting donors within a younger age range, clinics maximize the chances of healthy pregnancies, reduce potential long-term risks, and uphold consistent ethical and clinical standards. While many men over 40 are healthy and fertile,
reproductive medicine relies on population-level evidence rather than individual exceptions. These guidelines ensure that donors, recipients, and future children benefit from the safest and most reliable reproductive outcomes possible.
Still have questions? Call us at (303) 970-5897 or email [email protected].
