Categories: Mens fertility

Age and Sperm

A MAN’S biological clock ticks just as loudly as a woman’s, according to new research showing male fertility declines by up to 70 per cent after the age of 40.

The international study of 2000 infertile couples shows for the first time the toll ageing takes on a man’s fertility.

The researchers found men older than 40 had only a 30 per cent success rate, regardless of the woman’s age.

Royal Hospital for Women’s fertility expert Dr Graeme Hughes is the clinical director of IVF Australia and said 40 per cent of infertility is at least partly because of the man.

“The first test we do is on the male, no matter what his age,” he said.

Dr Hughes said sperm were more “sluggish” in an older man, the volume of sperm decreases and there are more abnormalities.

He also said the chaos of the 21st century society contributed to higher infertility rates in older males.

“Part of the routine questioning is; ‘How often do you have sex?’ the answer 15 years ago was usually two to three times per week.

“Today the answer is two to three times per month even if the couple is attempting pregnancy.”

The findings on male fertility were published in prestigious medical journal Fertility and Sterility and the researchers said the lower IVF strike rate among older men is likely due to poor quality sperm.

The average age of first-time fatherhood in 1983 was 29.7 years. Australian Bureau of Statistics show the modern-day first-time dad is now 32.6 years old.

One in 10 fathers of children born in 2000 are now between 40 and 49 while 1per cent are aged over 50.

Terry Stephens, 42, had his first child more than three years ago and his second just 18 months ago.

“We got married 15 years ago and children were not something we wanted,” he said.

“We were happy with our relationship and travelling and then when we got to around 40 we thought if we were going to do it, now was the time.”

The couple — both 39 at the time — fell pregnant quickly and naturally with their first child Finn and then conceived daughter India about two years later.

“We don’t consider ourselves older parents — just parents,” he said.

Lorna McFadden, DCH

I have been a certified dental assistant for the past 16 years. Over that time I have been interested in many of the healing arts. In 1993, I became a reflexologist and continued to study other forms of alternative health. My passion for Homeopathy began when I was treated by a homeopath in 1998. I really resonated with the philosophy and treatment of homeopathy. Only after a few consultations I knew I had to become involved and help heal others. With restored health and a great deal of energy, I am driven to study this wonderful healing art. I have successfully completed the first milestone in my homeopathic career by graduating from the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy. I hope to write my Certification of Classical Homeopathy in the next few years. I am a member of the West Coast Homeopathic Society and regularly attend study sessions to stay updated and educated. I also attend local trade shows and educate the public on Homeopathy. I am recently married and reside in Langley with two cats and a golden retriever named Montana. My animals are wonderful homeopathic patients.