The quality of sperm decreases rapidly after the age of 50

According to researchers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to have children as men age, even if their partner is of childbearing age. Research conducted by the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health in London shows that age has a significant impact on male fertility.

For women, menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marks the end of the reproductive period. For men, however, sperm production is constant and some are able to conceive even after the age of 80. This confirms the myth that men retain the ability to conceive throughout their lives, as long as they have the physical strength and desire to engage in sexual relations.

However, male fertility also declines with age. As shown in a study conducted in 2023 by the "Center for Reproductive and Genetic Health" in London, the decline in fertility among older men participating in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs can be quite pronounced.

Study on the Decline of Fertility

Researchers from the "Center for Reproductive and Genetic Health" in London, led by Dr. Guy Morris, found that success rates for IVF drop significantly in men over the age of 51. This is roughly the age at which women enter menopause.

An analysis of nearly 5,000 cycles of IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) showed that only 42% of men over the age of 51 had sperm of sufficient quality according to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding motility, morphology, and concentration of sperm, as well as total ejaculate count. In comparison, 61% of men under 50 had sperm that met these standards.

Furthermore, researchers found that the number of successful pregnancies decreased with age. In men under 35 years old, sperm managed to fertilize an egg in 50% of cases. In the 36-40 age group, the rate was 42%, in the 41-45 age group it was 35%, and in the 46-50 age group it was 32%. In men over 51, the rate drops to 30%.

The Age of Both Partners Matters

Like most couples, patients participating in IVF and ICSI programs are often of similar age. Female fertility begins to decline from the age of 32, well before menopause. Similarly, male fertility declines starting at 51. The researchers, who presented their findings at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, urged men not to delay fatherhood until an advanced age.

Dr. Guy Morris stated: "Stories of male celebrities becoming fathers in their sixties give a misleading view of the potential risks of late fatherhood. Recent evidence has been presented on the risks of late fatherhood, including naturally achieved fatherhood." He also added: "We must apply these findings with caution: 'We must apply these findings with caution to men who are not undergoing fertility treatment, as this group has not been studied.'"

Possible Causes of Declining Sperm Quality

Morris suggested that the cause of the decline in male fertility after 51 years is a decrease in sperm quality caused by the aging of the body. "Future research will help to better understand the causes of this phenomenon: is it due to DNA fragmentation in sperm or other factors? What measures can be taken to reduce the negative effects of declining sperm quality? Can improvements in sperm selection methods mitigate the effects of decreasing sperm quality? Can lifestyle changes have a positive impact?"

The Impact of Lifestyle on Male Fertility

Cory Burke, director of Cryos International, the world's largest sperm and egg bank, emphasized that infertility is not an exclusively female issue. "Men are exposed to the same risks as women, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drugs, stress, etc. Sperm quality also declines with age, just like egg quality in women," said Mr. Burke.

Burke notes that many men spend their youth engaging in activities that negatively affect their reproductive health: "These can include activities such as intense physical exercise, hot baths, or wearing tight shorts while cycling. Anything that generates heat and compresses the testicles, including sitting for long periods at work or playing games, can have delayed negative effects on male fertility."

Risks for Children Born to Older Men

Even when a young woman becomes pregnant by an older man, these pregnancies can carry increased risks. Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urologist and expert in male reproductive health, stated: "Children of older men are at a higher risk of premature birth or low scores on the APGAR scale, which is used to assess the health of newborns." According to Mr. Eisenberg, while the mother's influence is significant, the father's role is also important.

Eisenberg adds that older men have a lower sperm volume, reduced sperm motility, and a higher percentage of mutations in DNA. "Although these changes are minor, they deserve consideration if a man wishes to become a father later in life," the doctor emphasized.