Is there any impact on health of elderly male childbearing?
In recent years, more and more men choose to meet the role of father at an advanced age and delay the time of childbirth. However, it is a controversial topic whether the elderly male childbearing has an impact on health. This article will discuss the potential health risks that may be brought about by male elderly childbearing from four aspects: fertility, genetic diseases, mental health and physical health.
Fertility
Male fertility declines with age, which is caused by the decline of sperm quality and quantity. Higher age means higher DNA base pair variation rate, thus increasing the risk of chromosome problems or gene mutations in children. Research shows that compared with fathers under 25 years old, fathers over 40 years old have a higher risk of having children with certain genetic diseases and nervous system diseases (such as autism and schizophrenia).
In addition, male fertility is also affected by sperm quality and sexual function. With the growth of age, the number and quality of sperm will decrease, thus reducing the chance of pregnancy. Some studies also found that older fathers may have more problems with sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
Therefore, the elderly male fertility may reduce fertility, increase the risk of adverse genetic results, and may lead to sexual function problems.
Genetic disease
Older men may increase the risk of some genetic diseases in their children. With the increase of age, the quality of father's sperm decreases, which may lead to the increase of DNA base pair mutations. These mutations may cause children to suffer from some genetic diseases, such as congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, etc. The study also found that children born to older fathers are more likely to suffer from mental diseases, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Therefore, the elderly male fertility may increase the risk of children suffering from certain genetic diseases, and family history and personal genetic factors also need to be considered.
mental health
Male elder childbearing may have some impact on mental health. The late father role may lead to a widening generation gap between them and young children, and may also differ from parents of the same age in social activities and lifestyle. These changes may cause emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression and self doubt.
In addition, men who become fathers in their later years often need to bear greater financial responsibility, which may increase stress and anxiety. Research shows that older fathers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Therefore, the elderly male childbearing may have a certain negative impact on mental health, and we need to pay attention to the changes in mental status.
good health
Older men may also have an impact on health. As men grow older, their risk of suffering from some chronic diseases increases, such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These chronic diseases may affect their fertility and children's health.
In addition, the physical strength of men also decreases with age, which may lead to the inability to meet the needs of children when they are young, such as lifting and playing. Long term postpartum care may also increase male fatigue and stress.
Therefore, the elderly male fertility may have a certain impact on health, and attention should be paid to the control of chronic diseases and the maintenance of physical strength.
Summary
Male elder childbearing may bring certain health risks in fertility, genetic diseases, mental health and physical health. Older fathers not only have reduced fertility, but may also increase the risk of children suffering from genetic diseases. In addition, becoming a father in later years may also have a negative impact on mental and physical health. Therefore, men should take personal health status and family factors into consideration when deciding to give birth at an advanced age, and make decisions under the guidance of doctors.
