Men’s fertility: Everything you ever wanted to know about a man’s chance of fatherhood

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For a man, according to Your Fertility – an education programme funded by the Australian Government Department of Health – fertility takes a nose dive from the age of 40. While a man makes millions of new sperm every day, the amount of semen and sperm motility decreases continually from the age of 20. Professor John Aiten pointed out that it is a “biological fact” that as men age, their potential to have children decreases.

Furthermore, an older man has a “higher risk” of fathering children with birth defects and genetic abnormalities.

“The risk of mental health problems and autism spectrum disorder is marginally higher in children of fathers older than 40 than in those with younger fathers,” Professor Aitken added.

For a man in his early 40s, it can take up to two years for his partner to fall pregnant – even if she is younger than 25.

The chances of fatherhood becomes increasing difficult if a man is older than 45.

Also, the risk of miscarriage is higher for women whose male partner is older than 45 years of age compared to men younger than 25.

Some men may become infertile as they age if they encounter issues with making and growing sperm.

The Urology Care Foundation pointed out that sperm disorders include the swimmers:

  • Not growing fully
  • Being oddly shaped
  • Not moving the right way
  • Being made in very low numbers
  • Not being made at all.

Lifestyle choices can lower sperm numbers, which includes smoking, drinking alcohol, and certain medications.

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How harmful is smoking for sperm production?

Research shows that routine smoking causes sperm to be smaller and slower.

Furthermore, smoking harms the DNA and can affect the seminal fluid ejaculated with sperm.

Which medications affect male fertility?

“Certain medications can change sperm production, function and delivery,” said the experts at the Urology Care Foundation.”

These medications are most often given to treat health problems like:

  • Arthritis
  • Depression
  • Digestive problems
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Infections
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer.

Moreover, disease passed through sex can lead to blocks and scars in the reproductive tract; this is known as obstruction.

Repeated infections can lead to an obstruction, which means the sperm from the testicles cannot leave the body during ejaculation.

The NHS stated that sperm issues are a factor in around “one in three couples who are struggling to get pregnant”.

Couples who have not been able to naturally conceive after a year of trying are recommended to speak to their doctor together.

“It’s a good idea for both you and your partner to get advice,” said the NHS.

“Fertility problems can affect men and women and often it’s a combination of both.”

One of the test arranged by your doctor is a semen analysis, where the quality and quantity of sperm is checked.

The results are usually made within a week; if the results are abnormal, another test will be repeated to ensure accuracy.

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