Ever wondered about the effect that age has on male fertility-and just never pursued it? You are not alone. Generally, while the chatter concerning reproductive health is directed towards women, the male side of the story is often neglected.
This article will examine one of those topics that most men never think about-until they have to. The chart below describes a pattern that, no doubt, will be somewhat of a surprise to you.
Male Sperm Count by Age: What You Need to Know?
The sperm count refers to the number of sperm in one sample of semen. The World Health Organization has classified sperm count between 15 million and over 200 million sperm per millilitre of semen as normal. However, sperm count isn’t the end-all be-all to male fertility; motility (how well sperm move) and morphology (sperm shape) also matter.
Men will always undergo slight changes in sperm production and quality with advanced age. Gradual decline can then be noticed, becoming more apparent after the late 30s and thereafter.
How Age Affects Male Sperm Count?
Although men do not have a distinct age limit to their fertility like women, ageing still has certain effects on their fertility. The studies have been done to show that with age, sperm count, motility, and quality in semen deteriorate due to hormonal changes and accumulated DNA damage, as well as lifestyle factors.
However, this is what typically happens with time:
- 20s to 30s: These are high-flood peak fertility years. Generally, sperm count and motility are at the top.
- From mid-30s to early 40s: Gradual testosterone and semen quality decline.
- After 45: A noticeable decline in sperm count, increased DNA fragmentation, and decreased motility can be witnessed.
In some cases, older age can also be linked to a higher chance of genetic mutations in sperm, which may disadvantage the health of the embryo.
Understanding the Male Sperm Count by Age Chart
| Age Range | Average Sperm Count (million/ml) | Motility Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20 to 29
|
60 to 80 |
High
|
Peak Fertility |
|
30 to 34 |
50 to 70
|
Slightly Reduces
|
Still Fertile
|
|
35 to 39
|
40 to 60
|
Moderate Decline
|
Start of Noticeable Decline |
|
40 to 44
|
30 to 50
|
Lower Motility
|
DNA Fragmentation Increases
|
|
45+
|
20 to 40
|
Significantly Reduced
|
May Affect Conception and Embryo Health
|
Impact of Reduced Sperm Count on Fertility
Lower sperm counts do not necessarily equate to infertility. Instead, this may hinder the ability to conceive. Reduced sperm count is often accompanied by further complications such as decreased motility or abnormal sperm shape, and this would make fertilisation difficult. Such persons may take longer to conceive, and it may affect miscarriage susceptibility due to poor sperm DNA.
Other associated risks of advanced paternal age included:
- Reduced rates of successful IVF.
- Higher risk of the baby developing autism spectrum disorders or schizophrenia.
- Longer time to conception.
Awareness of these risks can help couples in making informed decisions about when and how to attempt to conceive.
How to Improve Sperm Count at Different Ages?
While ageing is a certain part of life and cannot be avoided, men may choose to take proactive steps towards supporting or even bettering sperm health.
In your 20s and 30s
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Reduce stress through exercise or mindfulness
- Wear loose-fitting underwear to keep testicles cool
After 40s
- Regular doctor’s visits to maintain the hormone levels, for example, testosterone
- Antioxidant diets high in vitamins C and E, and minerals such as zinc and selenium
- Minimise the environmental toxins, such as pesticides and plastics
- Physical activity and management of chronic diseases
- Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference over a long period.
When Should You Consider IVF or IUI for Male Infertility?
Natural conception has proven unattainable after 6 to 12 months of trying, and a switch to a fertility specialist is necessary. In cases of moderate to severe male infertility problems, ART may recommend IVF or IUI.
- IUI: Ideal for people with low sperm count or slightly subnormal.
- IVF with ICSI: It is something offered widely for severely low sperm count or motility, injecting a single sperm into the oocyte.
To find out what treatments are the best for them, a fertility doctor can conduct various analyses, including a semen analysis, hormonal evaluation, and genetic testing.
Does Male Age Alone Affect IVF Success Rates?
Indeed, the male age for IVF successes is not taken into account. Research has shown that advanced paternal age might:
- Reduce fertilisation and implantation rates
- Increase the likelihood of miscarriage
- Affects the state of embryos, even with ICSI
It has been shown that maternal age is still the most powerful factor in the outcome of IVF. However, the combination of older sperm with older eggs appears to worsen the odds further. Thus, male age should always figure in the fertility planning equation.
Consult a Fertility Specialist for Male Fertility Concerns
It is important to consult a fertility specialist if you are uncertain regarding your sperm health or have doubts about fertility. A complete semen analysis will let the specialist know the status of your sperm counts, motility, and morphology. The earlier an issue is checked, the more chances it can be treated or improved while undergoing the treatments.
And if you’re planning to delay having a child, you would want to ask your doctor about sperm banking. This would be like having a well-planned insurance policy on preserving your sperm while young and healthy.
Conclusion
Male fertility may not have a deadline like female fertility, but it’s far from ageless. As the male sperm count by age chart shows, sperm quality and quantity decline with time, especially after 35. This can impact both the ability to conceive and the health of future children.
The good news is that certain lifestyle changes can slow or even reverse sperm decline. If you’re facing fertility issues or planning for the future, don’t hesitate to speak with a specialist. Understanding your reproductive health now can save you time, money, and heartache later.
FAQs
Yes, age affects male fertility rather considerably. As men get older, they gradually lose sperm, including the count, motility, and their DNA integrity, thus making it increasingly difficult for a woman to conceive and increasing the risk of developing some health conditions in the child.
As per the proposal of the World Health Organization, a healthy sperm count, which may range from 15 million or more sperm per millilitre of semen, would be below this number for the possible definition of oligospermia, which can affect fertility.
Yes, healthy habits include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of smoking and taking alcohol in excess while relieving stress. These healthy practices improve sperm counts and quality, no matter whether you are a young or an old man.
