When we hear about the biological clock, we automatically link it to women. There is an expiry date on women’s fertility; the majority of women experience menopause at 45–55 years of age, marking the decline of their natural fertility. But what about men? Is there a reproductive “expiry date,” or does male fertility last a lifetime?It is a question that is even more relevant in India today, when parenthood is being delayed by many due to professional ambitions or late marriage.
Understanding the Male Biological Clock
Unlike women, men never experience a sudden and complete loss of their ability to reproduce. Sperm production goes on until older age, though sperm quality and quantity slowly start to deteriorate. Based on research, male fertility declines after the age of 40. Though some men do become fathers in their 50s or 60s, the risks to both conception and the offspring increase significantly.Studies discover that older men tend to have:
Lower semen volume and motility Greater DNA fragmentation in sperm.Genetic mutations that are passed on to children are at higher risk.There is a greater risk of conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, or some unusual genetic disorders in children born to older fathers.This is also referred to colloquially as “male menopause” or andropause, but it is not a sudden cut-off like women’s menopause; it is, however, a slow decline in the hormone and sperm activities.
Testosterone and Its Influence on Reproductive Health
From around age 30, men experience a steady decline in testosterone at a rate of about 1% each year. Low testosterone impacts more than fertility, including libido, energy, muscle, and mood. In their 40s or 50s, these alterations make it more difficult for a man to conceive.For infertile couples, advanced paternal age is now being recognized as a prime reason, along with the mother. Clinics are recognizing more and more cases where the couple both need to be given equal medical attention, not just the woman.
The Role of Lifestyle and Environment
Other lifestyle and environmental factors beyond age play a huge role in the case of decline in male fertility. The modern lifestyle exposes individuals to a range of factors that can negatively impact sperm quality, including pollution, chronic stress, long working hours, smoking, alcohol consumption, steroid use, and physical inactivity. In addition to these lifestyle-related risks, medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and varicoceles further contribute to declining fertility.One issue in India is the sudden rise of male infertility, 40–50% of cases today. The notion that infertility is ever a “woman’s problem” needs to be changed.
Age and the Decline of Male Fertility
Biologically, with each passing year, the chances of having a healthy baby do decrease. Infertility experts also recommend that men plan for children earlier in life, as women do. For men who do not wish to have children immediately, sperm freezing is an option, where the individual can freeze their sperm and use it later when they are ready, similar to egg freezing in women. Freezing sperm at younger ages offers better quality genetic material, which can be utilized later through assisted reproduction methods like IVF or ICSI.
How IVF Supports Fatherhood at an Older Age
With the evolution of the science of reproductive medicine, male infertility as a result of age could be better treated today. By utilizing techniques such asICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): where a single good-quality sperm is injected straight into the egg.Sperm DNA Fragmentation Tests: used for the detection and management of quality flaws in sperm.Fertility Preservation Services, which urges men to bank sperm when they are young.These technologies improve results for couples. However, it’s essential to combine medical treatments with consistent, healthy lifestyle habits for the best results.
Expert Tips for Men
One should be proactive at an early stage and significantly improve a man’s fertility, as well as the chances of fatherhood at a subsequent stage. Simple practices like maintaining a healthy weight and a well-balanced diet that is antioxidant in nature can help a lot in enhancing reproductive health. Smoking, excessive drinking, and steroids, which all affect sperm quality, should be avoided. Stress management and sleeping are also equally important, as both tend to regulate the hormones. Moderate physical exercise keeps the body in good health and regulates the hormones. For men who intend to have kids at 35 or older, regular check-ups for fertility are advised to check on and keep reproductive health in good condition.
Redefining the Male Biological Clock
Fertility has always been a woman’s concern, but this is the time when we should also know that men have a biological clock. Although they do not have an immediate “expiry date” like menopause, with age, the quality of the sperm, fertility rate, and well-being of the child are affected.World IVF Day and other awareness platforms educate couples that fertility is a two-way responsibility. If we understand that both men and women need on-time planning and proactive treatment, we can reduce the struggles of infertility and help more couples achieve their dream of becoming parents.Authored by: Dr. Nishi Singh, Head, Prime IVF
About the Author
