How men’s age affects men’s fertility: care and advice

Men’s fertility also declines with age (as does women’s fertility). We talk to Dr. Katharina Spies about how age affects men’s fertility and their chances of becoming dads through a natural pregnancy after the age of 40.

Vida Fertility Institute Katharina Spies

Important:

Although Spanish law does not establish a maximum age, at Vida Fertility we only perform assisted reproduction treatments up to the age of 50, based on medical and ethical criteria.

Age and men’s fertility: At what age do men stop being fertile?

Men’s age significantly affects men’s fertility and semen quality.

Although sperm production continues at older ages, sperm quantity and quality decline after the age of 35. From the age of 45, sperm may begin to show genetic changes, challenging the belief that men can procreate indefinitely.

These are all sperm pathologies

Odds of getting pregnant with a man who’s over 40 years old

According to some studies, the probability of natural conception decreases after the age of 40 in men, although it is still possible to conceive.

This decline not only reduces the chances of natural conception, but also increases the risk of genetic abnormalities in their offspring.

However, it is important to note that men’s fertility can vary widely from one person to another, and some men can successfully conceive after the age of 40, while others may experience difficulties.

Assisted reproductive treatments for male infertility

Assisted reproductive techniques such as ICSI and Preimplantation Genetic Testing are presented as solutions to face these challenges. According to Dr Peay:

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) allows direct fertilisation of the egg with a selected sperm, overcoming problems such as low motility or sperm count.
PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) genetically evaluates embryos before implantation, reducing the risk of chromosomic disorders.

These techniques significantly increase your chances of conceiving, even when natural fertility has declined because of your age.

Age and men’s fertility: Up to what age can a man become a father?

Spanish legislation does not establish a maximum age limit for assisted reproduction in men, unlike women, for whom it is recommended not to exceed 50 years of age.