You’ve likely heard this phrase before: “Men can have kids well into their 70s.”
Technically? True.
But what’s often left out is that male fertility declines with age, too—just differently than it does in women.
Sperm may keep being produced for life, but that doesn’t mean the quality stays the same. And if you’re trying to conceive or planning for the future, understanding male reproductive health is just as important as tracking female fertility.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How male fertility changes over time
- What factors influence sperm health
- How ageing affects DNA quality and pregnancy outcomes
- What can men do to protect and improve fertility?
Does Male Fertility Decline with Age?
Yes, but more gradually than in women.
While women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have, men continue to produce sperm throughout life. However, the quantity and quality of that sperm start to change—often starting in the late 30s to early 40s.
According to studies:
- Sperm motility (movement) decreases with age
- Sperm morphology (shape) becomes more irregular.
- Sperm DNA fragmentation increases, which may impact embryo quality and miscarriage rates¹
This means getting pregnant may take longer—and fertility treatments may be less effective—when the male partner is older.
What Impacts Sperm Quality?
Beyond age, several lifestyle and health factors can influence male fertility:
Hormones
Testosterone, FSH, and LH are key to sperm production. Hormonal imbalances (due to stress, aging, or health conditions) can reduce sperm count.
Heat Exposure
Frequent exposure to high heat—like hot tubs, laptops on laps, or tight underwear—can affect sperm production.
Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking: lowers count and motility
- Heavy alcohol use: reduces testosterone
- Obesity: linked to hormone disruption
- Drug use: anabolic steroids, marijuana, and opioids affect sperm function
Environmental Toxins
Pesticides, heavy metals, and plastics (like BPA) have all been linked to reduced sperm quality.
Medical Conditions
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Infections (e.g., STIs, mumps, orchitis)
- Diabetes and thyroid disorders
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation)
Expert Insight
“Male fertility is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in conception and pregnancy outcomes. Sperm quality—not just count—matters more than ever as we age.”
How to Test Male Fertility
If you’re trying to conceive or planning ahead, a semen analysis is the gold standard.
It measures:
- Sperm count (concentration per mL of semen)
- Motility (how well sperm swim)
- Morphology (shape and structure)
- Volume, pH, and white blood cells
Additional tests may include:
- Hormone blood panel
- Scrotal ultrasound (to check for varicocele)
- DNA fragmentation test (for older men or unexplained infertility)
Home test kits exist but often miss key details like morphology or motility.
➡️ Book a Care Navigator call to explore testing options
Male Age & Fertility Outcomes
While men don’t have a clear “biological clock,” the risks do increase with age:
| Male Age | Fertility Impact |
| <35 | High sperm quality, low DNA fragmentation |
| 35–45 | Slight decline in motility and morphology |
| 45–50 | Increased risk of DNA damage, lower success with ART |
| 50+ | Higher miscarriage risk and lower live birth rates² |
Advanced paternal age has also been linked to:
- Increased miscarriage risk
- Higher rates of autism spectrum disorders
- Rare genetic conditions
This doesn’t mean older men can’t father healthy children—but it’s worth being aware.
How Men Can Improve Fertility
The good news? Many factors influencing male fertility are modifiable.
Lifestyle Changes
- Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants
- Exercise regularly (but not excessively)
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
- Reduce exposure to plastics and pesticides.
- Get 7–9 hours of sleep.
Supplements (Check with your doctor)
- CoQ10
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- L-carnitine
- Omega-3 fatty acids
These may improve motility, morphology, and sperm count—especially in older men or those with borderline results.
Real-Life Story
“I always assumed fertility was my partner’s issue. However, after a semen analysis, we discovered my sperm motility was low. I made lifestyle changes, took supplements, and within 4 months, our IUI was successful.”
— Jason, 37
Myth vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
| “Men stay fertile forever.” | Technically yes—but quality declines with age. |
| “Fertility issues are mostly female-related.” | Male factor accounts for up to 50% of infertility cases. |
| “You only need a high sperm count.” | Count matters—but so do motility and DNA quality. |
| “There’s nothing you can do to improve sperm.” | Many lifestyle changes make a big difference. |
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning for a family—now or in the future—male fertility matters just as much as female fertility.
Age, lifestyle, and health all play a role in sperm quality, and taking action early gives you more choices later.
Whether you’re trying now or exploring your options, it’s never too soon to understand your fertility.
Sources
- NIH – Impact of Male Age on Fertility
- Fertility & Sterility – Sperm Aging & DNA Fragmentation
- WHO – Semen Analysis Reference Values
- Mayo Clinic – Male Fertility Factors
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
