SAEDNEWS: If you also think that men can have children at any age without issues, we have to tell you—you’re seriously mistaken. Men can only become fathers up to a certain age.
According to the Family Service of SaedNews, do you want to know until what age men remain fertile? It is important to know that male fertility changes with age. You might think that age only matters for female fertility, but while fertility decline is more pronounced in women, men also have a biological clock.
Age affects fertility in both men and women. It is one of the main factors influencing the chances of conception and, particularly, the likelihood of having a healthy child. A woman’s fertility generally begins to decline in her early 30s and more sharply as she approaches her 40s, depending on genetics and individual differences. Pregnancy-related risks increase with age.
Men experience a more gradual decline in fertility, but male age still affects the likelihood of their partner conceiving. Men over 45 are associated with higher risks of miscarriage, as well as increased risks of mental health issues and developmental disorders in their children.
Fatherhood in later years is not impossible for some men. Fertility can often be maintained until around age 60, but conceiving after 60 becomes increasingly difficult, and pregnancies may carry higher health risks for the child. However, there are cases of men over 60 fathering children, particularly when their partners are younger.
The optimal fertility window for men is between 20 and 30 years old. However, men do not have a strict age limit for fatherhood. Fertility may decline slightly with age, but sperm production typically continues throughout life. While there is no definitive research on whether advanced paternal age affects fetal health, men over 40 may experience reduced fertility, similar to the decline women face after 30. Aging can lead to decreased sperm count, slower movement, and abnormal morphology.
Today, conditions like varicocele—varicose veins in the testes—have become more common due to tight clothing and prolonged exposure to heat, which can reduce sperm count, motility, and shape, potentially causing infertility. Men are advised to maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C from tomatoes, citrus fruits, and other sources, to support fertility.
How does paternal age affect IVF outcomes? Early studies suggest that male age can negatively impact IVF success. However, advanced techniques like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) may overcome age-related sperm deficiencies. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. Research indicates that male age may reduce the number of high-quality embryos but does not significantly affect pregnancy rates or increase risks of preterm birth or miscarriage. These findings cannot necessarily be generalized to natural conception or IVF without ICSI.
Studies show that older men are at risk not only for reduced fertility but also for passing genetic problems to their children. The combination of maternal and paternal age can influence the likelihood of birth defects and genetic disorders. For example, the risk of Down syndrome increases with maternal age.
A study of over 3,000 children found that when mothers are 35 or older, paternal age becomes increasingly relevant for Down syndrome and overall child health—particularly when mothers are 40 or older. Research also indicates that men over 60 fathering children may increase the risk of schizophrenia in their offspring.
High paternal age affects not only semen quality and fertility but also the genetic integrity of sperm. Age-related sperm genetic defects may lead to:
Reduced fertility
Increased risk of miscarriage
Stillbirth
Higher likelihood of certain birth defects
Older fathers are more likely to have children with conditions such as:
Autism
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Achondroplasia (a common cause of short stature)
Childhood leukemia
Men can improve and maintain fertility through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding recreational drugs, and quitting smoking are essential. Other factors, such as high cholesterol, may also affect fertility. Some studies have shown that men with high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction benefited from cholesterol-lowering medications, which improved both conditions.
Men concerned about fertility should undergo appropriate testing to identify potential issues. Some may have undiagnosed testicular conditions. Infertility is not solely a female issue—men contribute significantly to reproductive challenges.
