While doctors often talk about fertility and age, most of the time it revolves around the female body. It is acknowledged by all that fertility in women decreases as their age increases. However, it is important to understand that age also has a similar effect on paternal fertility.
According to a renowned infertility specialist in Siliguri, it is a popular myth that men can be fathers at any age. The real fact is that sperm count and motility can decrease gradually as they age, creating male fertility issues. This blog will be discussing how age affects fertility in men, along with other aspects connected with it.
How Age Affects Fertility in Men?
Unlike the experience of women, fertility in men does not have a definitive age. However, as the years go by, there are gradual changes in the body that have a direct effect on the fertility of men. Here is a list of factors that change due to age
Quality of Sperm- The quality of the sperm decreases significantly as men age. There is a decrease in the motility, shape as well and count of the sperm, making it hard to fertilise the eggs.
DNA fragmentation - Old men tend to have sperm that have fragmented DNA, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and unfavourable genetic conditions
Hormonal shift - the testosterone levels in men also decrease with age. This makes them more prone to producing low-quality sperm and having low libido.
Longer time to conception - Studies have also found that couples with older males tend to take longer to conceive, even if their partners are young; this may be due to the affected motility.
Associated Health Conditions
Various health conditions can affect men’s fertility as they age. But more than that, they can have a long-term effect on the lives of children who have fathers above the age of 40. According to the best infertility specialist in Siliguri, here are some common conditions found in such children
● Autism spectrum disorders- This is a developmental condition that affects the social communication of children and is characterised by repetitive behaviours.
● Rare genetic mutations- Skeletal Dysplasias that cause dwarfism and craniosynostosis syndromes are found in rare cases of abnormal paternal sperm.
● Schizophrenia - This is associated with the high accumulation of de novo mutations in sperm as the father ages.
● Cognitive performance issues- advanced paternal age can make children prone to mental disorders or have lower IQ, which can cause issues with their academic and social life.
While most of these risks are relatively rare, they are severe enough to make people take family planning seriously.
Common Ways to Support Fertility for Men
Infertility and aging are inevitable for most men, but with a few proactive steps, men can extend their reproductive health. Here are some tips from the best infertility doctors in Siliguri to help your sexual reproductive health journey,
- Eat healthy meals and maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can reduce fertility.
- Avoiding the consumption of tobacco and alcohol can damage the sperm
- Exercising regularly can help you maintain your hormone levels.
- Chronic stress can cause issues with the production of reporductivehormones so learn healthy ways to cope with them.
Conclusion
Age is more than just a number when it comes to male fertility. While men don’t experience a reproductive “cut-off” in the same way women do, the gradual decline in sperm quality and increased health risks for offspring make it essential for older men to take fertility seriously. If you’re considering parenthood and age is a concern, don’t wait to get checked with the best infertility specialist in Siliguri.
Dr. Priyankur Roy
MBBS, MS, PGDMLS, PGDHHM, FIAOG
Dr. Priyankur Roy is a distinguished expert in Infertility Treatment and Gynae-Endoscopy. With advanced qualifications from Germany and the UK, he excels in providing high-quality medical care.
This blog is clinically verified by Dr. Priyankur Roy to ensure accuracy and reliability.
