Age plays a central role when it comes to the fertility of both men and women. While the decline in fertility among women is often discussed, men also experience a decrease in both the quality and quantity of sperm. In this blog post, we examine how age affects male fertility, which biological processes are involved, and what this means for men who are planning to start a family.
Biological Basics: Sperm Production and Age
During puberty – typically between the ages of 12 and 15 – the male body begins producing sperm. Unlike women, who experience a measurable decline in their egg reserve as they age, the male body continues to produce sperm throughout life. However, age-related changes do occur:
- Sperm Count: The number of sperm is highest in one’s twenties and thirties. From the forties and fifties onwards, the sperm count often decreases by up to 50%.
- Sperm Motility: The ability of sperm to move swiftly and purposefully declines steadily over the years – studies show an annual decrease of between 0.17% and 0.6%.
- Sperm Morphology: The structural integrity, or morphology, of sperm also deteriorates with age. Studies show a loss in quality of between 0.2% and 0.9% per year, which can amount to a decline of 4% to 18% over two decades.
The Impact of Age on Male Fertility
Although men theoretically produce sperm throughout their lives, this does not mean that fertility remains constant. With advancing age, both the quantity and quality of sperm change. These changes have a direct impact on the chances of conceiving a healthy child:
- Reduced Sperm Count: A lower number of sperm can decrease the likelihood of successful fertilisation.
- Decreased Motility: Reduced movement of the sperm makes it harder for them to reach the egg – a crucial step for fertilisation.
- Altered Sperm Structure: A decline in sperm quality can mean that sperm are less effective at penetrating the outer layer of the egg, further complicating fertilisation.
Despite these changes, studies show that many men remain fertile well into their thirties. Factors such as lifestyle, diet, and regular medical check-ups can help maintain fertility for as long as possible.
Healthy Sperm Counts: Benchmarks and Metrics
For men who wish to keep an eye on their fertility, certain metrics are important. The following benchmarks help to distinguish between a healthy and an unhealthy sperm count:
- Per Millilitre: 15–200 million sperm are considered healthy; less than 15 million is indicative of a reduced sperm count.
- Per Ejaculate: Over 39 million sperm are classified as healthy, whereas lower values may indicate a potential fertility issue.
Science and Figures: Facts on Male Fertility
To better understand the impact of age on male fertility, let us take a look at some scientific studies and figures:
- Studies by the National Institute of Health (NIH): These studies document that sperm motility decreases annually by about 0.17% to 0.6%. Over two decades, this equates to an average decline of between 3% and 12%.
- WHO Guidelines: The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a healthy sperm count as at least 15 million sperm per millilitre. Values below this threshold are considered suboptimal.
- Longitudinal Studies: Long-term studies show that men in their twenties and thirties have the highest sperm counts, with a significant decline only beginning from the age of 40. Some studies report a reduction of up to 50% compared to peak fertility.
- Impact of Lifestyle Factors: Research suggests that diet, stress management, and avoiding harmful substances can have a significant influence on sperm quality – even in later life.
These scientific findings underline the importance of reviewing one’s lifestyle and making adjustments as necessary to support fertility.
Strategies to Support Male Fertility
Although the ageing process is inevitable, there are various measures that men can take to best support their fertility:
- Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: A balanced diet and physical activity promote overall health and positively affect sperm quality.
- Avoiding Harmful Substances: Abstaining from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can help maintain sperm quality.
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Men planning to start a family should have their fertility checked regularly.
- Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can negatively impact sperm production. Techniques such as meditation or yoga can be beneficial in this regard.
Conclusion
Age is a critical factor in male fertility. While men, unlike women, continue to produce sperm throughout their lives, both the quantity and quality of sperm decline with age. These changes can reduce the chances of conception, although individual lifestyle choices and overall health play a significant role. With a healthy lifestyle and regular medical care, men can mitigate many of the age-related changes and maintain their fertility for as long as possible.