Is there any relationship between the age of old male childbearing and fertility?
In recent years, more and more men choose to meet their father at an advanced age. However, compared with women, will the elderly childbearing age of men affect their fertility? The following will elaborate on this issue from many aspects.
1. Sperm quality
The key factor of sperm quality must be taken into consideration first if the old age of male fertility will affect fertility. Research shows that the quality of men's sperm gradually declines with age. Sperm quality includes sperm concentration, morphology and vitality. Older men often have problems such as decreased sperm number, decreased hardness, and abnormal morphology. These problems will seriously affect the fertilization process, thus reducing the chance of pregnancy.
In addition, the decline in sperm quality may also lead to an increased risk of congenital diseases. The study found that children with older fathers are more likely to suffer from autism, hyperactivity disorder and other neurodevelopmental diseases. Therefore, there is a clear correlation between the reproductive age of older men and sperm quality.
2. Reproductive hormone level
The elderly male childbearing age may lead to changes in reproductive hormone levels, thus affecting fertility. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, which plays an important role in the production of sperm and the maintenance of sexual function. The study found that testosterone levels gradually decreased with age, especially after the age of 40. This will lead to a decline in the number and quality of sperm, thereby reducing male fertility.
In addition, other reproductive hormones, such as spermatogenic hormone and vitellogenic hormone, will also be affected by age and change, thus affecting male fertility. Therefore, there is a close relationship between the reproductive hormone level and the reproductive age of older men.
3. Genetic risk
The age at which men are old enough to have children is also of great significance in terms of genetic risk. The study found that the older the father, the higher the risk of children suffering from certain genetic diseases. This is because the accumulation of DNA damage in male sperm gradually increases with age. These DNA damages may lead to germ cell mutations, thus increasing the incidence of genetic diseases.
In addition, the father's old age may also increase the probability of children suffering from some common diseases, such as mental disorder, heart disease, cancer, etc. Therefore, the reproductive age of older men is directly related to genetic risk.
4. Success rate of fertility treatment
The elderly childbearing age of men may have an impact on the success rate of fertility treatment. In fertility treatment, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, the old age of men will lead to limited sperm quantity and quality, thus affecting the success rate of pregnancy. The study found that the success rate of fertility treatment participated by older men was lower, and the treatment cycle might be longer.
In addition, older men may also increase the risk of adverse reactions and complications during treatment, such as semen abnormalities and infections. Therefore, the reproductive age of older men is closely related to the success rate of fertility treatment.
Summary
To sum up, there is indeed a correlation between the reproductive age of older men and their fertility. The decline of sperm quality, the change of reproductive hormone level, the increase of genetic risk and the success rate of fertility treatment can all explain this problem. Therefore, when choosing the reproductive age, men also need to consider their own fertility and genetic risks and make reasonable decisions.
