With Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) available to us, many couples are choosing to delay parenthood to later stages of life. You may be prioritizing your career, education, or something else in your 20's and early 30's, and then when you decide you would like to try and conceive you are above the age of 35.
When I listen to my patients it is quite clear that the relationship between declining fertility and age for Women is widely known, however, very few patients recognize that Men are no exception to this rule. As Men age, the quality of sperm cells declines. Testosterone levels can begin to decline, along with sperm motility, concentration, and vitality.
After 40 years of age, is when there appears to be a decline in a Male's Fertility, according to a new study published on July 1st of 2018 in Fertility and Sterility [1].
Age is not the only factor which can decrease male fertility. In the same study mentioned above, sperm health appeared to be lower in Men who were overweight, drank alcohol, and smoked cigarettes. While age is something that cannot be changed when trying to improve Fertility, lifestyle factors are something that we have control over. Giving up alcohol, cigarettes, and exercising in the Prenatal period(while trying to conceive) can offer simple but vital changes to the stress placed upon sperm cells and allow Men to develop healthier sperm cells, and healthier sperm cells lead to improved fertility rates and healthier embryos!
Reference:
1. Verón, G. L., Tissera, A. D., Bello, R., Beltramone, F., Estofan, G., Molina, R. I., & Vazquez-Levin, M. H. (2018). Impact of age, clinical conditions, and lifestyle on routine semen parameters and sperm kinematics. Fertility and Sterility,110(1).
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