How Age Affects Male Fertility (and When It Matters)

When it comes to fertility, a common myth persists: that men can delay starting a family for as long as they wish. Many believe that because male fertility is less time-sensitive than female fertility, age doesn't matter for men. However, this belief can be misleading. While men do have the biological ability to father children later in life, age can significantly impact their fertility. Understanding the relationship between age and male fertility is crucial if you're planning to start a family, helping you better maintain your reproductive health and make more informed decisions about fatherhood.

Effects of Aging on Sperm

As men age, various physiological changes occur that can affect their reproductive health. Here are some key factors that influence sperm quality:

• Motility (movement): As men age, sperm motility decreases, resulting in more sluggish or non-moving sperm.
• Morphology (shape): Older men are more likely to have sperm with abnormal shapes, such as irregular heads or tails, which can hinder their ability to penetrate the egg.
• Volume and count: Sperm volume and count generally decline as men reach their 40s and 50s, with noticeable changes often occurring around ages 40 to 45.
• DNA integrity: Aging can lead to increased DNA fragmentation in sperm, potentially reducing fertility and increasing the risks for offspring.

Age-Related Risks and Complications

Both the quantity and quality of sperm decline with age, which can lead to longer conception times and increase the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. Advanced paternal age is also linked to a greater risk of certain conditions in offspring, including:

• Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia
• Skeletal/growth disorders: Achondroplasia (dwarfism), Thanatophoric Dysplasia, Crouzon Syndrome, Apert Syndrome, and Pfeiffer Syndrome
• Congenital conditions: Some heart defects and cleft lip/palate
• Other conditions: Neurofibromatosis, Marfan Syndrome, and certain cancers, such as childhood leukemia and brain tumors

Improving Fertility Outcomes in Older Men

There are several steps men can take to improve their fertility outcomes, regardless of age-related challenges, such as:

• Focusing on lifestyle changes: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol consumption, and prioritize sleep.
• Taking supplements: Certain antioxidants (zinc, vitamins C & D) and folate can promote sperm health.
• Getting a semen analysis: This test examines sperm count, motility, morphology, and other semen factors, such as volume, pH, and liquefaction time, to diagnose issues and guide treatment.
• Considering fertility preservation: When a healthy sperm sample is properly frozen and stored, it can stay viable indefinitely.

Schedule an Appointment with a Male Fertility Specialist

While age can affect male fertility, it's important to remember that there are options available for growing your family. With the support and guidance of qualified male fertility experts, like those at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists, it's possible to successfully navigate your journey toward fatherhood, regardless of your age.

Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists offers world-class treatments and personalized solutions, including comprehensive sperm testing, fertility preservation, sperm retrieval, and more. Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation in San Diego or La Jolla, California.