Many people associate fertility changes mainly with women, but male fertility can also change with age. Men may continue producing sperm throughout adulthood, yet sperm quality and reproductive health can gradually change over time.
Here are seven important facts.
1. Sperm quality may decline: As men grow older, some experience changes in sperm movement, shape and other characteristics.
2. DNA damage may increase: Older paternal age is associated with an increased likelihood of certain genetic changes in sperm. However, the risk of most individual outcomes remains relatively low.
3. Conception may take longer: Some studies suggest that increasing paternal age can be associated with a longer time to pregnancy.
4. Erectile difficulties may become more common: Age-related changes in blood vessels, diabetes, medication use and other health conditions can affect erectile function.
5. Certain medical conditions can affect fertility: Diabetes, hormonal disorders, infections and some testicular conditions may interfere with sperm production or function.
6. Lifestyle habits matter: Smoking, excessive alcohol, anabolic steroid use, obesity and some recreational drugs can negatively affect male reproductive health.
7. Fertility is not determined by age alone: A healthy older man may have better sperm quality than a younger man with certain medical or lifestyle problems.
What can men do? Avoid smoking and anabolic steroids, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and manage chronic medical conditions. Men trying to conceive should consider a fertility assessment if pregnancy does not occur after an appropriate period.
A semen analysis can help assess sperm concentration, movement and shape.
Final thoughts: Male fertility can change with age, but age alone does not determine whether a man can father a child. Both partners should be included in fertility discussions and medical assessments.
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