Male Fertility Age Chart: What You Need To Know To Increase Your Chances Of Fatherhood At Any Age
Men contribute to 35-40% of infertility cases.
Yet, many couples trying to conceive mistakenly believe that fertility challenges fall mainly on the woman. This misunderstanding often overshadows the crucial role male fertility plays in creating new life.
While it might seem like men’s "swimmers" are always ready for action, the reality is that sperm quality and male fertility change with age, just like it does for women. If you and your partner are planning to start a family, it’s vital you understand how these changes could affect your journey.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing what you need to know about how age impacts a man’s fertility. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge you need to prepare for the future and make informed decisions.
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How Male Fertility Works
Male fertility centers on sperm. These are the tiny swimmers responsible for fertilizing a woman’s egg. Sperm are produced in the testicles, where they’re stored until ejaculation.
When a man ejaculates during sexual activity, sperm travel out of the testicles and are carried in semen. This nutrient-rich fluid helps protect sperm and transport them into a woman’s reproductive tract.
For conception to happen, the sperm must be healthy, present in large enough numbers, and strong enough to "swim" their way to the egg.The Impact of Age on Male Fertility
Okay, so we know what male fertility is. But how does age come into play?
Male fertility does not "expire" the way female fertility does and can still father children after the age of 40. However, changes still occur typically when they hit their 30s. If you take a look at a male fertility age chart, you’ll see how the following parameters change with age:
How Male Fertility Works
Sperm Count
One of the most well-known age-related changes in male fertility is the gradual decline in sperm count. Men in their 20s typically have the highest number of sperm per milliliter of semen, which increases the chances of successful fertilization. However, as men age, their sperm count tends to decrease, starting as early as their 30s.
Sperm Quality
Age also affects your sperm’s quality. Sperm quality refers to the overall health and genetic integrity of the sperm. Younger men generally produce sperm that are healthier, more genetically sound, and better equipped to fertilize the egg.
However, as men get older, their sperm might have more abnormal sperm. These sperm might have deformed heads or tails, making it harder for them to reach and penetrate the egg. This decreases the chances of conception even when the sperm count is still normal.
Sperm Motility
Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to swim effectively towards the egg. When sperm motility is high, the sperm can travel through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes to reach and fertilize an egg.
Unfortunately, as men age, sperm may not swim as actively or quickly. The sperm might struggle to reach the egg, making fertilization less likely.
Sperm motility is graded from A to D. Grade A indicates fast, straight-swimming sperm. Meanwhile, grade B shows slower, but still acceptable, motility. Both A and B are considered acceptable for fertilization.
Ejaculatory Volume
Ejaculatory volume is the amount of semen a man releases with each ejaculation.
In younger men, the average ejaculatory volume is typically between 2 and 5 milliliters per ejaculation. This amount contains millions of sperm, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
However, as men age, the average ejaculatory volume decreases. This means there is less semen to carry the sperm to the egg, and fewer sperm are available for fertilization.
Male Fertility Age Chart
All these changes happen gradually as men age. To better illustrate this, here’s a male fertility age chart based on the findings of a 2017 study. This study reviewed the semen analysis records of 1,219 men from infertile couples.
Based on the study’s findings, the biggest drop in all of these factors happens after the age of 35.
What is The Best Age for a Man to Have a Baby?
The optimal age group for conception is typically in the 20s to early 30s. During this time, men have the highest sperm count, excellent sperm quality, and the highest ejaculatory volume. Couples trying to conceive during these years often find it easier to get pregnant.
As men reach their late 30s and 40s, these factors begin to decline. Meaning it can take longer for older men to conceive.
In a UK survey from 2000, men over 40 were 30% less likely to conceive within a year compared to men under 30. In another survey, 76.8% of men under 25 conceived with their partners within 6 months, compared to 52.9% of older men.
Risks Of Advanced Paternal Age
Older men’s sperm also have a higher risk of carrying genetic mutations. This is because the older a man gets, the more likely their sperm is carrying damaged DNA. As a result, advanced paternal age can increase the risk of children having the following conditions:
● Birth defects, such as cleft palate
● Childhood cancer
● Developmental disorders
According to a 2020 study, having children with older men might also increase the chances of miscarriages.
But remember, while the chances of experiencing these increase with age, the vast majority of children born to older fathers are healthy. Just be aware of the potential risks.
Risks Of Advanced Paternal Age
Lifestyle Factors And Male Fertility
Age certainly affects male fertility, but lifestyle factors also play a significant role. These factors can either enhance or negatively impact a man’s fertility, regardless of his age.
Healthy habits, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances, can support fertility. On the other hand, poor lifestyle choices can decrease fertility at any age.
Diet and Nutrition
What you eat can directly affect the quality of your sperm. A balanced diet that’s rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals.
A diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps your body make healthy sperm. Staying hydrated is also important for keeping a healthy ejaculatory volume.
Foods high in the following nutrients are especially important for maintaining healthy sperm:
● Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect sperm from oxidative damage and may improve sperm motility.
● Zinc is vital for sperm production and can improve both sperm count and motility.
● Folate, found in leafy green vegetables and fortified grains, helps with the production of healthy sperm.
But take note: taking these micronutrients might not work for everyone. A study from 2020 suggests that taking both Folic acid and Zinc doesn’t improve semen quality and increase the chances of live birth.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Moderate, consistent physical activity can also improve sperm quality. This is because it helps maintain a healthy weight, improves blood circulation, and can boost testosterone levels. All of these combined are beneficial for sperm production.
In a study from 2015, men who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous activity for more than 15 hours a week had 73% higher sperm concentration. Meanwhile, sedentary men who spent more than 20 hours per week watching TV had a 44% lower sperm concentration.
However, it’s important to note that excessive exercise, especially intense endurance training, can have the opposite effect. Therefore, aim for a balanced exercise routine to avoid overtaxing your body.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively impact male fertility by affecting hormone levels. When you’re stressed, your body produces higher levels of stress hormones. These hormones can interfere with testosterone and sperm production.
Men can manage stress through activities like yoga or meditation. Engaging in hobbies can also help keep stress hormones in check.
Sleep can also affect sperm quality. Men who slept less than 6 hours a day had a 12% lower sperm volume and 4.4% lower sperm motility. Aside from sleep duration, poor sleep quality also lowers both parameters. So, make sure you (if you’re a male), or your man, get restful sleep each night!
Smoking And Alcohol
Aside from harming your lungs, smoking is also a major fertility blocker. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes damage sperm DNA, lower sperm count, and reduce motility. Smoking also leads to more abnormal sperm shapes, which decreases the chances of successful fertilization.
Alcohol can also sabotage male fertility. According to a study, heavy drinking lowers testosterone levels, reduces sperm count, and impacts motility, leaving sperm sluggish and less effective.
Cutting back on these two vices can help improve overall reproductive health and support your efforts.
Medical Conditions
As men age, they are more likely to develop conditions that can affect fertility. Health screenings become increasingly important to detect underlying issues, such as hypertension and diabetes. Both of these conditions can impact a man’s ability to father children.
For example, hypertension can decrease semen volume, sperm count, and motility
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist can help ensure good health and readiness for conception.
Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins are another factor that can decrease male fertility. These substances are called endocrine disruptors and can disrupt hormonal balance and harm sperm quality. Examples of these chemicals include:
● Pesticides
● Plastics containing Phthalates and BPA
● Heavy metals like Lead or Mercury
● Radiation
While regulatory measures help limit the presence of these substances in everyday products, men planning to conceive should still minimize exposure to reduce potential risks to fertility.
When To Seek A Genetic Counselor’s Advice
As mentioned earlier, genetic mutations in sperm become more likely in older men. These mutations can be passed down to the child, potentially leading to birth defects or developmental disorders.
If you’re a male and are concerned about fathering children because of your age, it’s best to consult a genetic counselor. They can check your family history and give you a more personalized risk assessment. They can also discuss available testing options to help you understand the likelihood of your child inheriting any genetic conditions.
Wrapping It Up
The impact of age on a man’s fertility is gradual. As men age, sperm count and quality decline. This makes conception more challenging.
However, it’s still possible for men in their 40s and beyond to have healthy children. Aside from age, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help men improve sperm quality and overall fertility. Seeking professional advice, like genetic counseling, can also provide important support when planning for a family.
With the right steps, you and your partner can maximize your chances of having a child, regardless of age.
Raoul Angelo Cam is a freelance health content writer and a registered clinical laboratory scientist. He earned his degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Cebu Doctor’s University and completed three years of medical school. During university, he developed a passion for helping patients improve their well-being, including reproductive health and fertility.