Data from: Sperm storage causes sperm senescence in human and non-human animals

In animals, mature sperm are stored in males before ejaculation, and
sometimes in females before fertilisation. Sperm storage provides
evolutionary advantages; however, storage can also cause sperm
deterioration due to post-meiotic sperm ageing. Yet, the extent of such
deterioration, the mechanisms driving it, and its consequences remain
poorly understood. We perform a meta-analysis across humans (115 studies)
and non-human animals (56 studies, 30 species) to understand the impacts
of sperm storage. In men, storage via sexual abstinence increases sperm
oxidative stress and DNA damage, reduces sperm viability and motility. In
other animals, sperm storage in males and females reduces sperm
performance and embryo quality. The duration of storage, the method of
sampling individuals, and the sperm-storing sex also impact observed
outcomes. The results have implications for fertility clinics, sperm
selection, captive breeding, and understanding adaptations evolved to
mitigate stored-sperm deterioration.