What is the effect of elder childbearing on male fertility?
With the rapid development of society and people's pursuit of career and personal development, more and more couples choose late childbearing or elder childbearing. However, we can not ignore the influence of elderly childbearing on male fertility. This article will elaborate from the following aspects.
1. The sperm quality decreases
Age will lead to the decline of male sperm quality. Research shows that with the increase of age, the number of male sperm decreases, the vitality decreases, and the rate of morphological abnormalities increases. This is because the DNA damage of sperm will accumulate with age, leading to the decline of sperm quality. This may increase the difficulty of successful pregnancy for older men.
In addition, there will also be an increase in chromosomal abnormalities in the sperm of older men, such as common chromosomal aberrations in sperm. This will increase the baby's risk of genetic diseases. Therefore, for elderly couples, men should conduct sperm quality testing during family planning to understand their fertility.
2. Decreased sexual function
Older childbearing may lead to the decline of male sexual function. With the growth of age, male hormone levels gradually decline, and sexual desire, erectile function and endurance may be affected. This will have a significant impact on the quality of sexual life.
In addition, some related diseases will also increase with age, such as prostatic hyperplasia, impotence, etc. These diseases may make men encounter difficulties in sexual life, thus affecting fertility. Therefore, older men should have a physical examination before family planning to ensure their sexual function is normal.
3. Increased risk of father gene mutation
There is a link between the father's age and the baby's increased risk of certain gene mutations. The study found that the father's elderly childbearing was related to the increased risk of some genetic diseases (such as autism and schizophrenia). This is because the father's sperm has more new mutations in the process of aging.
These gene mutations may affect the baby's intellectual development and physical health. Therefore, when giving birth at an advanced age, men also need to pay attention to their own genetic conditions, and carry out relevant tests and consultations under the guidance of doctors.
4. Increased burden of child rearing and care
Older childbearing will lead to an increase in the burden of parents' raising and caring for their children, especially for men. With the growth of age, men's physical strength and energy gradually decline, and they will face certain difficulties both in the process of accompanying children and in the daily life of caring for children.
At the same time, older parents face greater life pressure and health problems, which will also affect their children's quality of life and growth environment. Therefore, before giving birth at an advanced age, men should fully consider their own physical condition and economic ability, and jointly decide with their spouses whether they are suitable for giving birth.
Summary
To sum up, elderly childbearing has a certain impact on male fertility. The decline of sperm quality, the decline of sexual function, the increased risk of father gene mutation, and the increased burden of child rearing and care are all problems that may be brought about by older childbearing. Therefore, before giving birth at an advanced age, men should carry out relevant tests and consultations to understand their fertility and physical conditions, and make decisions based on full communication with their spouses. In addition, the progress of medical technology has also brought some hope for the elderly childbearing, and assisted reproductive technology can increase the chance of successful pregnancy. Most importantly, both men and women should make wise reproductive decisions on the premise of ensuring their own health, so as to contribute to the health and happiness of future generations.
