A groundbreaking study from the University of Oxford has uncovered a universal phenomenon in the animal kingdom: stored sperm deteriorates over time, regardless of the male's age. Published on March 25, 2026, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the research challenges long-held assumptions in reproductive biology and offers fresh insights into fertility across species, from insects to mammals and humans.

Led by researchers in Oxford's Department of Biology, this meta-analysis synthesizes decades of data to reveal 'post-meiotic sperm senescence'—the ageing of mature sperm during storage. The findings not only bridge zoological and biomedical fields but also highlight the prowess of UK higher education institutions in pioneering evolutionary and reproductive science.

Unveiling Post-Meiotic Sperm Senescence

Post-meiotic sperm senescence (PMSS) refers to the deterioration of fully developed sperm cells after their formation, independent of the organism's overall age. Sperm, with their high mobility and limited cytoplasm, rapidly deplete energy reserves and lack robust repair mechanisms, making storage particularly damaging.

The Oxford team's analysis included 115 human studies encompassing 54,889 men from 31 countries and 56 studies across 30 non-human species. Key metrics assessed sperm viability, motility, DNA integrity, oxidative stress, fertilization success, and embryo quality. Results showed consistent declines: in humans, Pearson's r = −0.093 (moderate negative effect); in non-humans, r = −0.198.

• Sperm motility and viability decrease with prolonged storage.
• DNA damage and oxidative stress rise significantly during abstinence.
• Fertilization rates and embryo development suffer from aged sperm populations.

This process manifests as sperm 'populations' undergoing birth, death, ageing, and selective mortality within the ejaculate, akin to demographic shifts in living communities.

Sex-Specific Dynamics in Sperm Storage

A striking revelation is the disparity between male and female storage capabilities. Females excel at long-term preservation through specialized organs like spermathecae, which secrete antioxidants and nourishing fluids. In Drosophila fruit flies, for instance, these structures extend sperm viability, reflecting evolutionary pressures for reproduction amid male scarcity.

Males, conversely, prioritize short-term abundance for immediate mating opportunities, leading to faster senescence. Storage duration negatively correlates with outcomes: longer absolute times exacerbate declines in both sexes, but females mitigate via adaptations (r values more favorable in female storage studies).

Evolutionarily, this underscores cryptic female choice and polyandry, where females select superior sperm post-mating. For UK researchers, this opens avenues in biomimicry for artificial storage technologies.

Implications for Human Fertility and IVF Protocols

In humans, prolonged sexual abstinence—per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 2-7 days—increases DNA fragmentation and stress while impairing motility. A trial of 453 IVF couples showed 46% pregnancy rates with <48-hour abstinence versus 36% for 2-7 days.

Dr Rebecca Dean, co-lead author, notes: 'Regular ejaculation can provide a small but meaningful boost to male fertility.' Professor Allan Pacey from the University of Manchester echoes this, advocating fresher sperm for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Guardian coverage highlights growing evidence for shorter abstinence in clinics.

This research positions UK universities like Oxford at the forefront of clinical translation, influencing NHS fertility guidelines and private practices nationwide.

Oxford's Department of Biology: Fostering Excellence

The Department of Biology at Oxford is a global leader in evolutionary biology and reproductive science, hosting labs like the Fly Lab and Griffin-West group. This study exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration, merging meta-analytic rigor with model organism experiments using Drosophila melanogaster.

Funding from bodies like the Royal Society supports such work, enabling fellowships that attract top talent. Oxford's integration of zoology and biomedicine exemplifies why UK higher education excels in impactful research, contributing to the UK's £2.8 billion annual bioscience output.

Spotlight on Trailblazing Researchers

Lead author Dr Krish Sanghvi, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Fly Lab, specializes in paternal age effects and cryptic female choice. Co-lead Dr Rebecca Dean, Daphne Jackson Research Fellow, brings expertise in sexual conflict. Senior author Dr Irem Sepil, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow and St Hilda's College Associate Research Fellow, focuses on reproductive ageing and nongenetic effects.

Sepil's prior work on ejaculate decline with age complements this study, showcasing career progression via prestigious fellowships. These roles highlight opportunities for early-career researchers in UK academia.

Conservation and Broader Applications

Beyond humans, findings aid captive breeding for endangered species. Prolonged storage in zoos risks poor fertilization; mimicking female organs could enhance success rates. UK institutions like the Zoological Society of London stand to benefit.

In agriculture, improved livestock semen storage could boost yields, aligning with UKRI priorities for sustainable food systems.

UK Higher Education's Role in Reproductive Research

Manchester's seasonality studies and Edinburgh's fertility genetics complement Oxford's work. UKRI funding, including £50m for NIHR equipment, sustains this ecosystem. Challenges like visa policies persist, but Russell Group unis maintain leadership.

Recent breakthroughs, like Cambridge's tumour survival insights, underscore the sector's vitality amid funding pressures.

Career Pathways in Reproductive Biology

Prospects abound: Research Fellows at £37k-£44k, PhDs via FindAPhD, and lectureships. Oxford's vacancies and Nuffield Department posts exemplify demand. Fellowships like Dorothy Hodgkin propel careers, fostering the next generation of UK leaders.

Photo by Loren Cutler on Unsplash

• Postdocs: Fly Lab-style experimental roles.
• Lecturers: Teaching MSc Clinical Embryology.
• Professors: Leading evolution labs.

Future Horizons and Research Frontiers

Upcoming: Biomimetic storage tech, AI-optimized IVF timing, transgenerational effects. Oxford plans Drosophila trials on interventions. This study cements UK HE's role in solving global fertility challenges.