How Age Affects Male Fertility

For years, fertility conversations have focused on women, in particular their biological clocks and age-related changes. However, we need to be aware that male fertility is also impacted by age, and the chances of conceiving naturally can decline over time. 

Male factor infertility contributes to nearly half of all cases where couples have trouble conceiving and is the second most significant factor after a woman’s age. In approximately 30% of couples, infertility is primarily attributed to male factors. Although a man’s age does not impact fertility as dramatically as a woman’s, sperm quality does decline as they age.  Advancing paternal age is also associated with higher risks of miscarriage, longer time to conception, and an increased likelihood of conditions and certain mental health issues in offspring.

At Sims IVF, our specialists see firsthand how both partners can impact a couple’s fertility journey. Understanding how age affects male fertility helps you make informed decisions about testing, preservation, and treatment, whether you’re planning to conceive now or in the future.

The Common Misconception About Male Fertility and Age

It can be a common misconception that all men remain fertile forever, capable of fathering children at any age. Although men can technically continue producing sperm throughout their entire life, the quality of sperm declines gradually, typically beginning around the mid-to-late 40s. This decline doesn’t necessarily mean a man becomes infertile, but it can make natural conception more difficult and increase certain risks during pregnancy. 

How Age Impacts Fertility in Men

Male fertility mainly depends on the production, health, and function of sperm. As a man ages, natural biological changes can begin to affect several aspects of sperm quality:

• Sperm Count and Motility - There can be a gradual reduction in sperm count and motility as men age, which can make it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise the egg.

• Sperm DNA Integrity - Sperm DNA fragmentation tends to increase with age, which can affect embryo quality and increase the chances of miscarriage.

• Physical and lifestyle changes – For some men, as they reach their late 40s to early 50s, they can face loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other physical and emotional symptoms. This can be due to testosterone levels in men naturally beginning to decline.

• Increased Genetic Risks - Advanced paternal age is often associated with a higher chance of genetic mutations, and certain mental health disorders in children.

In general, men over the age of 45 may experience reduced fertility rates, increased time to pregnancy, and higher miscarriage rates compared to younger men.

When to Consider a Male Fertility Test

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months without success, or 6 months if you're over 35 years of age, or if you’re simply curious about your fertility health, a male fertility test can provide valuable insights. At Sims IVF, our male investigations include semen analysis that looks at key factors, including:

• Sperm Motility
• Sperm Morphology
• Semen Volume and Consistency
• Anti-Sperm Antibodies 

These results help our fertility specialists create personalised treatment plans at our fertility clinics in Dublin and across our other locations nationwide. You can avail of male fertility testing as part of our Couple’s Assessment package.

Understanding Fertility Preservation Options for Men

For men waiting to have children later in life or facing medical treatments that might affect fertility, fertility preservation provides peace of mind. There are a couple of different options that can be beneficial to consider:

Sperm Freezing

Sperm freezing, also known as semen freezing, involves preserving sperm samples for future use. It’s especially useful for men undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy that are known to reduce or permanently impact sperm production.

At Sims IVF, semen samples are collected either in a private room at the clinic or, if you live within an hour’s distance, in the comfort of your own home. The samples are then expertly prepared and frozen in our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Frozen sperm remains a highly successful option for future use. That being said, frozen sperm remains a highly successful option for future use.

Embryo Freezing

Couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can also choose to freeze embryos for later use. During these treatments, multiple eggs are fertilised and the best-quality embryos are selected for transfer. The remaining healthy embryos can then be cryopreserved (stored in liquid nitrogen) for future pregnancy attempts.

This option allows couples to expand their family without having to start another full cycle of IVF or ICSI. It is also worth exploring if you and your partner aren’t ready just yet, but you’re definitely interested in having children in the future and worried about how age will impact fertility. For many, embryo freezing offers flexibility and reassurance.

Supporting Men on Their Fertility Journey

At Sims IVF, we know how challenging fertility journeys can be, both physically and emotionally. Over the years, we have cared for thousands of patients needing fertility treatment, and we strive to bring the joy of a family to those who need help. Our patient support services play a significant role in your fertility journey, and we offer a holistic approach that cares for every aspect of your well-being. 

If you’re interested in other ways, you can support your fertility, whether you’re worried about age or other factors, there are certainly some things you can do. While genetics plays a key role, some proactive steps men can take to maintain their fertility include:

• Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. 
• Limit alcohol intake and stop smoking or vaping. 
• Avoid exposure to excessive heat, such as hot tubs, saunas or laptops on your lap.
• Manage stress and get enough sleep.
• Schedule regular health check-ups to monitor fertility. 

Some simple lifestyle changes, combined with professional guidance, can help improve sperm quality and overall reproductive health.

Getting Some Support and Next Steps

If you’re concerned about your fertility as you get older, visiting an experienced fertility clinic in Dublin like Sims IVF is an excellent first step to take. Early fertility testing can provide clarity, whether you’re ready to start a family now or want to preserve your fertility for later. Our compassionate team of fertility specialists will ensure you receive highly personalised care at every stage of your journey, no matter what your test results may show. 

Male fertility won’t decline overnight, but time does matter. Taking control of your reproductive health, planning for the future and exploring fertility treatment options can give you some peace of mind. To speak to a member of the Sims IVF team about the next steps for your fertility, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.