Men are being urged to heed a new health advisory and dismiss widespread misconceptions about their fertility. Josephine Smith, an expert from Supplement Hub, dispels the myth that men remain fertile indefinitely, revealing that male fertility actually begins to wane in the mid-to-late 30s.
Research involving over 450,000 births highlights a noticeable decline in male fertility starting between the ages of 35 and 39, with a consistent downward trend in subsequent age groups beyond 40. In assisted reproduction scenarios, advancing paternal age is a distinct disadvantage. A London-based study examining nearly 5,000 IVF cycles revealed that men over 51 were significantly less likely to adhere to the World Health Organization’s standards for healthy semen, and clinical pregnancy rates diminished with each successive older age group. These findings indicate that fertility technology cannot entirely counteract the impact of age-related decreases in sperm quality. While public health initiatives predominantly spotlight female fertility issues, experts emphasize the importance of recognizing that men’s fertility also declines, and this decline begins sooner than many anticipate.
Professor Allan Pacey, a leading authority on male fertility, notes that research indicates men over 40 are “about half as fertile” as their 25-year-old counterparts.
To support sperm health, men are advised to consume a diet rich in nutrients, emphasizing foods high in antioxidants, oily fish, and a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables. Essential nutrients for maintaining healthy sperm include zinc, selenium, folate, vitamins C and D, omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and L-carnitine.
Additionally, reducing or completely eliminating alcohol and smoking is recommended. Men should consider abstaining from alcohol three to six months before attempting to conceive, as even sporadic binge drinking can temporarily impair sperm motility.
Regular exercise is also crucial, but it should be moderate and consistent to maintain hormonal balance. Excessive high-intensity endurance training may suppress testosterone levels if overdone.
Josephine Smith said: “Most women have heard the phrase ‘ticking clock’ when it comes to fertility – and most 20 and 30-something women will tell you they are always questioned by family members on when they’re planning on having children.
“However, not enough narrative surrounds where men come into this equation. Research shows that by the mid-30s, sperm quality begins to drop, and by 40, risks associated with DNA damage increase.
“Understanding male fertility is just as important as understanding female fertility, but that conversation just hasn’t caught up yet. That’s why it’s important for men to understand how they can make lifestyle changes to increase sperm quality and count.”
