For years, the phrase “biological clock” has been used almost exclusively in reference to women. But medical experts say that men, too, face age-related fertility challenges — and ignoring them may come at a cost.
“It’s a common misconception that only women face age-related fertility challenges,” said Dr. Dan Nayot, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist who serves as chief medical adviser at fertility company Bird&Be. “While female fertility decline is well-documented, nearly 50% of infertility cases involve male factors — and age plays a role for men as well.”
Although men may not experience a sharp cutoff for reproduction like women do, aging still impacts male fertility. A common example cited to argue otherwise is actor Charlie Chaplin, who fathered a child at 73. But, as Dr. Nayot noted, most men aren’t Charlie Chaplin.
“Men can stay biologically fertile longer than women, but that doesn’t mean their fertility remains unaffected,” he said.
There are two main concerns when it comes to male fertility: the ability to conceive and the health of the baby. As men age, sperm quality tends to decline. Issues can arise with sperm motility (how well they move), morphology (shape), and DNA integrity. This decline can lead to greater difficulty in conceiving, and higher risks of miscarriage and genetic conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.
Age also affects sexual function. Libido, the ability to maintain erections, and ejaculation can all decline over time.
Making matters more complicated, sperm production problems often go unnoticed without testing. For instance, a man who has had a vasectomy may still ejaculate, but his semen might not contain sperm. Many men only discover issues with sperm quality when they start trying to have children — sometimes, too late.
To help address this, at-home sperm tests have become more widely available. These allow men to check key fertility indicators such as sperm count and motility from the privacy of their homes. “These tests offer a convenient way to detect potential problems early and seek medical advice,” said Dr. Nayot.
So, when should men start paying closer attention to their reproductive health? According to experts, “advanced paternal age” generally refers to men who are 40 or older at the time of conception.
Fortunately, there are ways men can improve their fertility, especially if they take action early. “The earlier you plan for fatherhood, the better — as long as you’re ready,” Dr. Nayot advised. “Aging is unavoidable, but planning and maintaining good health can make a big difference.”
Sperm production is an ongoing process that takes about two to three months. It is highly sensitive to lifestyle choices. Research shows that smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity can all impair sperm health.
“Sperm quality is often a reflection of overall health,” Nayot said. “So taking care of your body is essential.”
Dr. Nayot recommends the following steps for improving sperm quality:
Get better sleep
Exercise regularly
Quit smoking
Eat a balanced, healthy diet
Consider supplements, including coenzyme Q10, zinc, vitamin E, L-carnitine, folate, selenium, and DHA
In addition to lifestyle factors, testosterone levels play a crucial role in male fertility. And recent research shows these levels are falling.
“There’s been a noticeable decline in testosterone over the past few decades — probably around 20 to 25%,” said Nayot. “That’s a serious trend and one that deserves attention.”
While conversations around fertility often focus on women, experts say it’s time for men to take their reproductive health just as seriously. With age, lifestyle, and hormone levels all playing a part, men over 40 are encouraged to be proactive if they hope to become fathers — and have healthy children.
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