Most couples are postponing having children due to the focus on professional commitments, goals, and financial commitments. Most couples have children after women reach the age of 35. However, men also fall into this category. Though the biological clock for men is not as early as 35, research shows men are on the clock too.
Understanding sperm after the age of 40
If there are no genetic and medical conditions, male fertility can last an entire lifetime. In men, there are, on average, anywhere between 40-300 million sperm per millilitre. If the sperm count is less than 40 million sperm, it can lead to infertility struggles.
A study was done after collecting sperm from men of various ages between the ages of 16 and 72. Men between the ages of 16 and 34 have no difference in sperm count and quality. But when the age crossed 35, there was a noticeable difference in the quality, volume, and sperm count. Year after year, these parameters declined. After crossing 40, sperm quality further decreased. But a decline in quantity started in some men as early as age 34. Since then, other studies have backed up this initial conclusion.
How does being 40 affect conception for a man?
If the man is younger than 30, he can get a woman of similar age pregnant in a couple of months. But if the man is older than 40, it might take up to 2 years to get a woman pregnant, even if she is younger since the quality of sperm reduces with age. Men, there is a good chance of miscarriage in pregnancies with older men. When both partners are over the age of 40, the chances of miscarriage further increases.
There is a sperm age too.
The ticking biological clock affects sperm quality. Age mainly affects the sperm’s motility and shape. These both decline over age. Offspring of older men have been found to have autism, dwarfism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Hence, men and women face fertility issues if the age is 40 and over.
The fertility clock countdown is on
One should understand that men also have an increased chance of getting a woman pregnant at a younger age. Decreasing sperm count at a later age impacts the length of time to get pregnant. If the female partners’ age is also older, this will have a significant impact. So if couples are trying to get pregnant at an older age, it is better to start with a doctor’s visit and determine if everything is OK.
How to maintain good sperm health?
Maintaining a healthy weight: A correct number of hormones is necessary for a healthy sperm count. If there is excess fat in the body, the hormones responsible for healthy sperm production will get out of balance.
Eat right:
- Make fresh, whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, with antioxidants and vitamins as part of your diet.
- Mainly consume foods rich in Vitamins C and E.
- Avoid processed fast foods. They may be tasty, but they are not the best meals for your sperm.
Don’t skip the workout: Exercise produces healthy sperm. Weightlifting and outdoor activities increase sperm count. The recommended physical activity is at least 150 minutes a week.
Use multi-vitamins: Vitamins such as D, C, E, and CoQ10 are good for the health of your sperm. However, taking a healthy diet is always better than taking multivitamins. Consult your doctor before taking multivitamins.
Stay out of saunas and hot tubs: Sperm can live and function at a temperature usually two to three degrees less than your core body temperature. Exposing testes to too much heat can cause fertility problems. The heat from a laptop has a similar effect as a hot tub when placed on the lap. Place the laptop on a desk or a table while working.
Limit alcohol, smoke and caffeine: These must be consumed in moderation since they have a significant effect on sperm production and the quality of the sperm.
Stay away from testosterone: If one undergoes testosterone replacement therapy, the body will stop the natural production of testosterone. One can opt for natural ways to boost testosterone without affecting fertility.
We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics have treated all types of infertility issues for both men and women. We also give counseling services to help men above the age of 40 to be able to father a healthy child. We are specialists in both male and female fertility. Please visit our website https://zivafertility.com/ or contact us at +91-9100002737, +91-9392834024
info@zivafertility.com.
