When one hears that the world's oldest father had a child at the age of 96, it's quite natural to assume that male fertility does not have an age limit. However, modern medicine is debunking this belief; according to experts, male fertility also decreases over time.
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The decline in male fertility typically starts around the age of 35 and becomes more noticeable after the age of 40. Some studies indicate that men over 35 have significantly lower fertility rates than men under 35. This decline is associated with a deterioration in sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and genetic health over time. For instance, it is noted that sperm DNA fragmentation (damaged genetic material) increases by about 3% annually with age.
Although men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives (spermatogenesis), the quality of the sperm measurably decreases with age. This can impact the chances of pregnancy and the likelihood of having a healthy baby.
A decline in sperm health can increase the following risks:
Decreased Chance of Conception: The likelihood of your partner becoming pregnant (or the rate at which your partner achieves pregnancy) decreases as the father's age advances.
Extended Time to Conceive: In relationships involving men aged 45 and over, the probability of achieving pregnancy in more than two years is significantly higher compared to younger men.
Miscarriage Risk: In pregnancies where the father is 35 years old or older, the risk of pregnancy loss between 6 and 20 weeks increases, and this risk can double around the age of 50.
Offspring Health Risks: Advanced paternal age can increase the likelihood of certain conditions developing in children, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, Down syndrome, and childhood leukemia. This is due to random genetic mutations accumulating in a man's sperm over the years being passed on to the child.
Among these are maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting or quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and ensuring quality sleep.
However, for long-term fertility preservation, sperm freezing is the most effective option. Male fertility is not limitless; it's possible to take precautions against the decline that begins around the age of 35.