Does male elder childbearing affect fertility?
Male elderly childbearing refers to men over 40 years old who choose to plan their children at a later age. Traditionally, women's age has a greater impact on fertility, while men are less restricted. However, research in recent years has shown that the elderly male fertility will also have a certain impact on fertility.
1. The sperm quality decreases
With the growth of age, the male reproductive system will also have a series of changes. The study found that the number and quality of men's sperm will decline with age. The decline of sperm quality includes abnormal morphology and structure, decreased sperm activity, which will affect fertilization ability and embryo development.
For example, a study by Lund University Hospital in Sweden found that compared with men under 25 years old, the number of DNA fragments in men over 40 years old increased significantly, which would increase the risk of embryo malformation and abortion. In addition, the motility of sperm will also decrease with the increase of age, leading to a decrease in fertilization rate and pregnancy rate.
Therefore, the decline in the quality of sperm produced by men at an advanced age is an important reason for the impact on their fertility.
2. Increased risk of reproductive system diseases
The elderly male fertility will also increase the risk of reproductive system diseases, which will affect fertility. As men grow older, they may face problems such as orchitis, prostate disease, erectile dysfunction, etc. These diseases will affect the production and delivery of sperm and reduce fertility.
A study conducted at the University Hospital of Ottawa in Canada showed that the risk of abnormal adrenaline secretion in elderly men was three times higher than that in young men. The disease inhibits sperm development and leads to fertility problems. In addition, the incidence of reproductive system diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and testicular tumors in the elderly male population also increased significantly.
Therefore, the risk of reproductive system diseases should be considered when men give birth at an advanced age, and attention should be paid to the impact on fertility.
3. Increased risk of birth defects
Older men also increase the risk of birth defects. Studies have shown that there is a clear correlation between older men and their children's chromosomal abnormalities and autism.
For example, a research team in Dubai compared fathers over the age of 50 and under the age of 30, and found that the risk of chromosome breakage in the germ cells of elderly men was significantly increased. Chromosome breakage can easily lead to abnormal fetal development, thus increasing the probability of birth defects.
In addition, male elder childbearing is also associated with the risk of autism in children. A Swedish study shows that the risk of autism in children of fathers over 50 years old is nearly twice as high as that of fathers under 30 years old. Although the results of the study are controversial, the association between male elderly childbearing and some birth defects still needs to be alerted.
4. Impact of health status on fertility
In addition to the age itself, the elderly childbearing of men is also closely related to their health status, which in turn affects their fertility.
For example, living habits such as obesity, smoking and alcoholism have a negative impact on male fertility. Research shows that obese men have a significantly increased risk of infertility. Smoking and excessive drinking will lead to sperm DNA damage, sperm number and motility decline, thus reducing fertility.
In addition, chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can also reduce male fertility. These diseases will affect the development and activity of sperm and increase the risk of fertility disorders.
Summary
Older men's fertility will affect their fertility, mainly in terms of sperm quality decline, increased risk of reproductive system diseases, increased risk of birth defects, and the impact of health status on fertility. Therefore, men should also consider the age factor when planning their family, and choose the appropriate time as soon as possible to ensure the health of their children to the greatest extent. In addition, men should also pay attention to maintaining good living habits and healthy conditions in life, which is of great significance for controlling the decline of fertility.
