Is there any relationship between the old age of male childbearing and fertility disorder?
The childbearing age and fertility disorder of older men have always been a topic of great concern. With the development of society and the improvement of people's living standards, more and more couples choose to try to have children at an older age. However, the old childbearing age of men does have a certain impact on fertility. This article will elaborate on the relationship between the elderly male childbearing age and fertility disorder from four aspects: reproductive function, sperm quality, genetic variation and child health.
1、 Reproductive function
With the increase of age, the male reproductive function will gradually decline. For example, the semen volume and sperm concentration will be reduced, and the motility and morphology of sperm will also be affected. These factors will directly affect the fertilization ability of sperm, thus affecting the success rate of pregnancy. A study shows that the success rate of pregnancy for men over 40 years old is about 30% lower than that for men under 30 years old.
In addition, the old childbearing age of men may also cause erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction. With the growth of age, male hormone levels, blood supply and neural responses will change, which will lead to a decline in physiological functions, thus affecting sexual function.
Therefore, the older male childbearing age does have a certain negative impact on fertility.
2、 Sperm quality
The old childbearing age of men also leads to the decline of sperm quality. The study found that with the increase of age, the DNA damage rate of men will significantly increase. After DNA damage occurs to sperm, its fertilization ability and embryonic development ability will be affected, thus increasing the risk of fertility disorders.
In addition, the reproductive age of older men is also associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations. These abnormalities and mutations will lead to abnormal embryonic development and increase the risk of birth defects and genetic diseases. A study found that compared with fathers under 20 years old, fathers over 40 years old were twice as likely to suffer from malformations of their offspring.
Therefore, the old age of male fertility has a significant impact on sperm quality.
3、 Genetic variation
The older male reproductive age also increases the risk of genetic variation. Studies have shown that older fathers carry more mutations than younger fathers. These mutations may exist anywhere in the genome and may be related to genetic diseases and children's health problems.
In addition, mutations carried by older fathers may also affect the cognitive ability and intellectual development of offspring. A study found that children born to older fathers have relatively poor intellectual development and are prone to problems such as inattention and learning difficulties.
Therefore, the reproductive age of older men is closely related to the risk of genetic variation.
4、 Child health
The childbearing age of older men is also related to the health status of their children. The study found that children born to older fathers have a relatively high risk of suffering from certain diseases. For example, children may be more likely to suffer from autism, mental illness, leukemia, etc.
In addition, compared with young fathers, children born to older fathers may also face higher risks of premature delivery and low birth weight. These will have a certain negative impact on children's health and survival.
Therefore, the childbearing age of older men is closely related to the health status of their children.
Summary
To sum up, there is indeed a certain correlation between the elderly male childbearing age and fertility disorders. From the perspectives of reproductive function, sperm quality, genetic variation and child health, the older male reproductive age will have a certain negative impact on fertility and offspring health. Therefore, it is suggested that men should consider their own age factors when choosing the time of childbearing, and avoid the adverse effects of being too old on childbearing.
