Age related male infertility can affect the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy

No one wants to face infertility, and male factor infertility can be an especially sensitive topic. Our Nashville fertility clinic team handles every case with the utmost discretion and care. While advanced maternal age is one of many known causes of infertility, many people are unaware that age related male infertility can also add a wrinkle to normal baby-making plans.

Is age related male infertility really an issue?

Women are born with all the eggs that they will ever have. During puberty, they begin to have monthly menstrual cycles, where a mature egg is released to facilitate a potential pregnancy. At menopause, women stop having cycles, which marks the end of female fertility.

Although men don’t face the dramatic fertility decline that women do, age related male infertility can make getting pregnant more difficult. For men, sperm production continues throughout their adult lives; however, recent studies have shown that age related male infertility may affect a couple’s ability to conceive.

Older men and their partners have a greater likelihood of failed pregnancy attempts, as well as higher chances of miscarriage if conception occurs. Additionally, research indicates that men older than 40 have decreased sperm motility, reduced sperm production and increased abnormalities in their sperm.

Addressing causes of infertility in men

While male factor infertility is something to consider as you and your partner work on achieving your family planning goals, you don’t need to sacrifice your dreams. The doctors in our Nashville fertility clinic have the medical expertise needed to identify the causes of infertility and help you find a path forward.

• Don’t delay. If you and your partner haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying, make an appointment for a complete infertility evaluation. If you are 35 or older, seek help sooner. The recommendation for women in their late 30s is to see a reproductive endocrinologist after six months of trying, or sooner for women in their 40s.
• Get both partners tested. Fertility testing for both the male and female partner provides a complete picture of all factors that could be getting in the way of pregnancy.
• Don’t hold back. Share all your pregnancy attempts and any relevant health details about either partner with your doctor.
• Don’t give up hope. While your situation may require more extensive testing, your doctor will determine the appropriate course of treatment to increase the odds of success.

At Nashville Fertility Center, we believe our patients shouldn’t have to surrender their aspirations for starting or expanding their families. If you and your partner have tried to conceive without any luck, it may be time to explore infertility testing and pinpoint any causes of infertility.

For more information about age related male infertility, contact our office to schedule a consultation appointment.