Think only women have body clocks? Think again. Here’s what you need to know about the link between age and male fertility
WORDS: Megan Graye
For a long time there has been a misconception that only women need to think about age when it comes to conceiving – but evidence is now revealing that to be untrue. Men do have a body clock – and it’s ticking faster than many expect.
“A common misconception is that male fertility does not decline with age.” That’s what Dr Victoria Sephton – Chief Medical Officer, Care Fertility says. She manages training and development, as well as recurrent failure and low prognosis patients at Care Fertility. “While men continue producing sperm throughout life, its quality and movement can decline over time,” says the doctor.
For many, the link between men’s age and infertility can come as quite a shock – especially given that throughout history, women’s bodies have been seen as the ones with the ‘ticking clocks’. Not only has this been limiting, but it can also perpetuate the pressure on women to find a partner and the anxiety of ‘running out of time’ for those that want a family.
But with an estimated 7% of all men being impacted by sub-fertility, is this lack of information causing an impact on couples who are struggling to conceive?
Do men need to worry about age when it comes to fertility?
“Infertility is often assumed to be a woman’s issue when in reality, male factors contribute to around half of all fertility problems,” says Sephton. “So, we feel it’s essential to assess both partners.”
According to the Doctor, men’s fertility does change with age – but not in the same way as it does for women. “While age can affect male fertility, the changes usually happen gradually. Sperm count, movement, and semen volume may decline, and DNA fragmentation can increase, which can make conceiving more difficult but it doesn’t make it impossible,” she explains.
So, simply put, while women stop being able to have children altogether when they hit menopause, men can still procreate – but age can make it much more difficult. “Which is why at Care Fertility we conduct male fertility tests early on in a patient’s journey,” says Sephton. “It gives a clear picture of sperm health and helps us suggest any tests or lifestyle changes that could make a difference.”
What else can affect men’s fertility?
Aside from age, there are many things that can impact fertility. Some can be worked on, while others have limited outcomes. “Male infertility can be the result of a number of factors, though sometimes it can prove difficult to identify a clear cause. Common issues include poor-quality sperm, such as low count, poor movement, or abnormal shapes, which can hinder fertilisation,’ explains Sephton.
“Problems with the testicles, like infections, injury, surgery, cancer, or congenital conditions, can also affect sperm production,” she says. “Other factors include ejaculation disorders, low testosterone, previous sterilisation, and certain medications or drugs, including anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, some anti-inflammatories, herbal remedies, and recreational drugs. Around one in four cases in the UK are unexplained. “
“Lifestyle and overall health also play an important role,” says Sephton. “Male fertility testing can help identify any issues and guide the most appropriate treatment, giving men the information they need to make informed decisions at any age.”
What should you do if you’re worried about your fertility?
“Our advice at Care Fertility is to address any concerns sooner rather than later,” says Dr Sephton. “Fertility issues are more common than many men realise, and speaking with a clinician can provide clarity and ease anxiety.”
“Seeking advice is nothing to be embarrassed about, it allows you to understand what’s happening in your body, access appropriate guidance or treatment if needed, and feel supported and informed about your reproductive health.”
