While fertility is often discussed in the context of women, the effects of age on male fertility are increasingly coming into focus. Unlike women, who experience a sharp decline in fertility with age, men do not have a definitive reproductive cutoff. However, age still significantly impacts male fertility in various ways. Understanding these changes is important for those planning to start or expand a family later in life.
What is Male Fertility vs. Male Infertility
Males usually reach their epitome of fertility around the ages of 22 and 29 years. Although some men still have children at an older age, it becomes more and more difficult, especially for men in their 40s.
What Is Male Fertility?
Male fertility is simply when a male is not experiencing any trouble to impregnate his partner. At a more scientific level, a male is seen to be fertile when a semen sample contains 15 million sperm or more per millilitre. Optimal fertility is also dependent on other sperm parameters to reach the ultimate goal, which is to fertilise a female’s egg.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is usually noticed when a couple is struggling to conceive. When a couple has not conceived after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, it is recommended that they see a doctor, as there might be fertility problems present in either one of them or sometimes both.
Male infertility can occur at any age, depending on the causes thereof. A male can experience fertility problems at a young age due to genetic deviations in the production of sperm or even due to poor lifestyle choices. Although this can occur, it is more often seen that males of a higher age, usually in their 40s and older, experience fertility problems.
How Is Male Fertility Tested?
The male will undergo a physical examination to ensure that there are no abnormalities present regarding the reproductive organs and to ensure his vitals are within a healthy and normal range. Thereafter he will be requested to provide a semen sample that the laboratory will test, looking for things like the amount of sperm present in the sample, the sperm’s motility and structure and the total semen volume. When one or more of these parameters are out of range, it can be an indication of possible infertility.
Does Age Affect Male Fertility?
The natural and healthy process of a male’s body is to produce optimal sperm quality and a high libido within the age range of 22 to 29 years old, resulting in a peak for a male’s fertility years. Thereafter, the body will naturally decrease the secretion of certain sexual hormones, resulting in a decrease in sperm quality and sperm parameters.
It has been found more common nowadays for older men, 40 years and older, to have children. Although this is true, studies have shown that men of a higher age have more obstacles to overcome when it comes to fertility and having children. These studies have shown that men of an older age have increased time to pregnancy and that the pregnancy rates in older men have decreased.
How Does Age Affect Male Fertility?
When assessing a male’s fertility, especially with increased age or with regards to fertility problems, the main thing to consider is male factor infertility. This term is used to encapsulate various variables, tested via means of a semen sample, that can affect male fertility.
Decreased sperm concentration: Studies have found that the concentration of sperm present is usually less when comparing males in their 20s and males in their 50s.
Poor sperm motility: Sperm motility is a vital factor to result in a pregnancy, as the sperm needs to be mobile to reach the egg and fertilise it. Studies have found that with age, the sperm motility decreases. This can also be caused by age-related decline in the functioning of certain sexual organs.
Abnormal sperm structure: Research has shown that older men are more prone to sperm with DNA fragmentation. DNA damage can result in reduced fertility, miscarriages, or increased risks of genetic disorders in children. For example, paternal age over 40 has been associated with higher risks of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia in offspring.
Lower semen volume: Semen volume is seen to decrease slightly with age. This is usually caused by age-related prostatic changes like atrophy of the smooth muscles.
Changes in reproductive organs: Studies have shown that a decrease in sperm parameters can be due to changes in the epididymis, where sperm are stored to mature, and other sexual glands.
Decreases testosterone levels: Testosterone levels, the primary male sex hormone, gradually decrease with age. This decline can contribute to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and overall lower reproductive function. Although these changes are often subtle compared to women’s hormonal shifts, they can still have a significant impact on fertility.
What Are The Potential Risks For Offspring?
Advanced paternal age is linked with increased health risks for children. Notably, older men are more likely to pass on mutations that can lead to genetic conditions. While many children of older fathers are healthy, the statistical risks do rise with age.
Children born to older fathers have a higher likelihood of developing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, some studies have found associations between advanced paternal age and congenital heart defects, cleft palate, and childhood leukaemia.
Moreover, older paternal age can contribute to an increased risk of certain rare genetic syndromes such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia. The cumulative effect of ageing on the genetic integrity of sperm can thus lead to more significant implications for offspring health, emphasising the importance of considering paternal age in family planning.
How To Mitigate Age-related Fertility Decline
There are several strategies to help mitigate the decline in male fertility associated with ageing.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and sufficient sleep can support overall reproductive health. Avoiding processed foods and trans fats can help maintain hormonal balance and improve sperm quality.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact testosterone levels and sperm production. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and support fertility.
Avoid Harmful Substances
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use are all associated with reduced sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation. Limiting or eliminating these can have significant benefits for fertility.
Stay Hydrated and Limit Heat Exposure
Adequate hydration is essential for optimal bodily functions, including sperm production. Reducing exposure to high heat—such as hot tubs, saunas, and laptops on the lap—can help maintain sperm health.
Antioxidant Intake
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc, can reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm health. Supplements can also be considered, but it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any regimen.
Regular Medical Check-ups
Monitoring and managing chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity is crucial as these can impair fertility. Regular check-ups with a doctor can help manage these conditions and identify potential reproductive health concerns early.
Consider Sperm Preservation
For men planning to delay fatherhood significantly, sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is a practical option to preserve sperm quality at a younger age. This can be particularly helpful in ensuring healthier outcomes for future conception.
Consult a Fertility Specialist
For those experiencing difficulty conceiving, seeking advice from a fertility expert can provide personalised guidance. Advanced reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), can assist in cases of reduced sperm quality.
