Men can remain fertile much later in life than women, but this does not mean male fertility is completely unaffected by age.
Sperm production continues throughout adult life, yet reproductive biology changes over time.
What Changes With Age?
Research suggests that increasing paternal age may be associated with changes in semen characteristics, sperm DNA and reproductive outcomes.
The effects are generally less dramatic than female reproductive ageing but are still relevant.
Time to Pregnancy
Older paternal age may be associated with longer time to conception in some couples.
However, female age, general health and other fertility factors frequently have a larger effect.
Sperm DNA
Ageing is associated with increased accumulation of DNA changes in sperm.
This does not mean that children of older fathers will necessarily have health problems.
The absolute risks of many individual conditions remain low, but age should be part of reproductive counselling.
Can Lifestyle Help?
Men cannot reverse chronological age, but they can optimise reproductive health.
Useful measures include:
- Avoiding smoking
- Avoiding anabolic steroids
- Reviewing testosterone use
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Moderating alcohol
- Managing chronic illness
- Exercising regularly
Should Older Men Freeze Sperm?
Routine sperm freezing purely because of age is not required for every man.
However, fertility preservation may be appropriate before chemotherapy, radiotherapy or treatments expected to compromise sperm production.
Personal circumstances can also justify discussion of elective sperm freezing.
The Take-Home Message
Male fertility does not have the same reproductive timeline as female fertility, but paternal age is not irrelevant.
Couples planning pregnancy later in life should consider the reproductive health of both partners, rather than focusing exclusively on the woman.
