Does male fertility decline with age?

Age affects not only female but also male fertility. While it is often overlooked, understanding how fertility is influenced by age is important, especially for those wishing to have children. There is increasing evidence that as men age, both the quality and quantity of sperm can decrease, making conception more challenging, increasing the risk of miscarriage and potentially influencing the health of children.

Understanding male fertility and age

Men can continue to remain fertile much later in life compared to women. While men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives, the quality of this sperm declines with age, reducing the chances of pregnancy as well as increasing the risk of miscarriage and certain health conditions in their offspring.

Male fertility can decline, particularly after the age of 40-45. As men age, sperm quality can be influenced by issues with the sperm number, motility, shape, and DNA, as well as hormonal changes and reduced sexual function, all of which can impact the chances of conception.

Effects of age on sperm quality

Studies have shown conflicting results. However, advancing male age may impact semen parameters, including concentration, motility, morphology and the quality of DNA it carries.

Sperm concentration

Sperm concentration, also referred to as sperm count, may decrease subtly with age due to a reduction in hormones, which affects the ability to produce sperm. Other contributing factors may include a fall in blood supply to the pelvic area and a decreased function of reproductive organs, like the testes and prostate.

Sperm donor recipient process at TFP Fertility

Motility and morphology

Motility refers to the sperm's ability to move effectively. This may also decline with age, impacting the sperm's ability to reach the egg, penetrate and fertilise it. In addition, reduced sexual function and less frequent ejaculation can also reduce sperm motility.

DNA fragmentation and genetic risks

Research suggests that the level of DNA fragmentation increases with age, which can potentially impact the overall sperm quality, reducing the likelihood of conception. If conception does occur, there may be an increased likelihood of miscarriage or genetic issues which could be passed on to the child.

How to support fertility at any age

There are several ways you can support male fertility and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Lifestyle choices to maintain sperm health

Diet - Consuming a balanced and healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is key to improving sperm health. Important nutrients include folate, zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. A Mediterranean diet, consisting of fruits, olive oil, vegetables, legumes and fish, can also enhance fertility. It’s recommended to limit foods high in fat and sugar, as these can negatively impact sperm quality.
Limit alcohol - Excessive alcohol consumption and caffeine can impact hormone levels, disrupting sperm production and quality. So, limiting your intake can be beneficial.
Exercise – Moderate exercises such as walking, jogging and cycling can help increase testosterone levels, improve blood flow to the testicles and reduce oxidative stress in sperm. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activities as they can negatively impact fertility. Before making any major changes to your diet or exercise routine, consult your doctor.
Medical and clinical support options
If lifestyle changes haven’t made a difference, various options are available. These include fertility tests for men, such as a semen analysis, which evaluates key factors including pH levels, volume, sperm concentration, motility and morphology as well as hormonal evaluation.
Based on individual circumstances, medications or hormone therapies may be prescribed to help stimulate sperm production and address fertility conditions like erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation.
Additionally, various fertility treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), can also assist with fertility issues. IUI may be suitable for men with mild issues with their semen analysis. This process involves sperm being prepared so that high-quality sperm can be directly introduced into the woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. Whereas, ICSI involves an embryologist selecting the healthiest sperm and injecting it directly into an egg to facilitate fertilisation. This technique is particularly beneficial for men with low sperm concentration or quality.

Paternal age and risks for offspring

In comparison to younger fathers, older paternal age is associated with increased health risks for babies. Although these risks are relatively low, they may include conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, neurological conditions, childhood cancers, bipolar disorder and cleft palates.

Other risks also include premature birth and an increased risk of miscarriage.