Over the years, the discussion about fertility and pregnancy has always been around women, which made male fertility underrated. Male fertility is equally essential to forming a family and conserving their fertility needs to be given importance.
Conserving male fertility keeps the hope of parenthood alive, but it all depends on numerous factors such as age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and more. Among those, age plays a major role, and this blog will give you the male fertility age chart, showcasing the drastic changes.
Does Age Impact Male Fertility?
Yes, age does have a major impact on both male and female fertility. While female age has been given a lot of attention for a long time, the effect of male age on fertility often goes unnoticed. Ideally, men above the age of 40 see a notable decline in sperm quality, quantity and mobility, which reduces the chances of conception and the health of offspring.
Age-Related Factors Influencing Decline in Male Fertility
- Reduced testosterone levels negatively affect sperm production, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and overall reproductive health.
- People aged above 40 may experience lower sperm count, concentration and motility naturally.
- The sperm motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation could affect the sperm quality, which reduces the chances of fertilizing an egg.
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease can affect sexual functions.
- Hormonal medications, antidepressants, antihypertensive, and corticosteroid drugs could affect sperm count and motility.
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet plan and lack of exercise could harm sperm motility and quality.
- Psychological stress for a prolonged time could reduce sexual interest and overall sexual activities.
Normal Sperm Count Required For Pregnancy
The normal sperm count range essential for pregnancy ranges from 15 to 200 million/ml. However, the count fluctuates due to age, body temperature, stress, nutrition and more. Young-aged men have high sperm counts, whereas people above 40 see a drastic decline in sperm count, making it difficult for conception. People having below 15 million or fewer sperm per ml are considered to have low sperm counts, which lowers the chances of pregnancy.
Sperm Count By Age Chart
The ideal sperm count based on the age of a healthy man is demonstrated in the chart below.
| Age Category | Sperm Count Range (Million/ml) |
|---|---|
|
Below 25 |
60 – 100 million/ml |
|
Between 26 – 30
|
55 – 85 million/ml |
|
Between 31 – 35
|
45 – 75 million/ml |
|
Between 36 – 40
|
40 – 60 million/ml |
|
Between 41 – 45
|
35 – 55 million/ml
|
|
Between 46 – 50
|
30 – 50 million/ml
|
|
Between 51 – 55
|
20 – 40 million/ml |
|
Between 56 – 60
|
15 – 30 million/ml |
|
60 and above
|
10 – 25 million/ml
|
At What Age Men Stop Producing Sperm?
Usually, men continue to produce sperm throughout their lifespan, but fertility depends on the quality, quantity and mobility of the sperm. The studies suggest that roughly at the age of 35, men start to see a decline in semen parameters, due to reduced testosterone levels, which impacts the pregnancy rates, length of conception, risk of miscarriage, health risks to the offspring and more.
Diagnosis for Male Infertility Regarding Age
A review of medical history and physical examination is conducted to identify the ongoing medical conditions and lifestyle habits.
Semen analysis is conducted to check sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, vitality, and white blood cell count.
Blood samples are collected to identify the hormone levels such as testosterone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Additionally, genetic testing, ultrasound scans and testicular biopsy can be done to evaluate genetic abnormalities, testicular performance and sperm production.
How To Enhance Age-Related Male Infertility?
- Quitting smoke, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve sperm counts and motility.
- Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, minimising processed foods and staying hydrated can improve sperm quality.
- Regular exercising at least three times a week can help improve sperm production.
- Avoid exposure to heat, especially around your testicles, as it could affect sperm production.
- Regular medical check-ups can be done to keep track of your fertility and to treat sexual-related infections.
- Vitamin C and Zinc supplements can be taken, based on the guidance of the doctor, as they show appropriate improvement in sperm production and movements.
Treatments for Age-Related Male Infertility
Artificial Reproductive Technologies (ART)
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) are suitable for men with moderate sperm issues. In this process, the sperm is collected and processed in the laboratory and injected into the woman’s uterus, increasing the chances of reaching the egg.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a more advanced ART process, where eggs and sperm from the partner are collected and fertilized outside the body, which increases the chances of pregnancy.
Hormone Therapy
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be done to boost testosterone levels, however, it is not often recommended, as it can compress sperm production.
- Clomiphene Citrate, hCG, and FSH act as a hormone that signals to produce testosterone and quality sperm cells.
Sperm Freezing
In case of postponing pregnancy for a later period, or undergoing any hormonal or cancer treatments, fertility can be preserved early, by collecting and freezing the sperm in sperm banks, for later IUI or IVF procedures.
Conclusion
The male fertility age chart gives a clear picture of the declining sperm count. Although it is natural, numerous factors affect male fertility such as reduced testosterone levels, low sperm count, quality, and hormonal changes. Although only a few million sperm are essential for conceiving, the poor quality and mobility make it harder to conceive.
In case of infertility issues, consult a doctor for semen analysis and other medical conditions. Based on the impact of infertility, your doctor may treat your infertility conditions or suggest an ART process for pregnancy. Following the treatment along with lifestyle and dietary changes, could give hope of parenthood.
FAQs
Freezing the sperm at a young age is a significant way to preserve fertility for ages. The preserved sperm can be used for later pregnancy, whenever you want to start a family.
No, men are meant to produce sperm throughout their lifespan, however, the quantity and quality of the sperm decline.
Semen analysis is the best way to determine sperm health, which can be done in a fertility clinic or lab. On the other hand, it can also be done at home using Over-the-counter semen analysis test kits, but it may not be as accurate as a laboratory test.
