Male Fertility: The biological clock is ticking! This is something that we only associate with women but you will be surprised to know that it is not so. There is a biological clock for men too, but not many people are aware of this fact. According to some reports, men in the 1970s averaged or thought about having children until the age of 29, now, the average age is around 34. While we cannot confirm the accuracy of this report, it is clinically proven – that even if we don’t hear it, the male biological clock is ticking too!
When women aren’t having kids in their late 20s and 30s, there are mostly multiple pieces of advice, and concerns keep popping up from every corner. With men, not so popular that there is no ripe old age for men to have children. But now it seems, this is not really true as an increasing number of researches are pointing to the fact that fertility also decreases with age of men.
Confirming this, Dr Manjiri Mehta, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi says, “Yes, men also have a biological clock, but many people are unaware of it because men produce sperm. continue.” While females have a limited number of eggs, males continue to produce sperm regardless of age. “But what they don’t know is that with age, sperm quality deteriorates. The number of defective spermatozoa increases. Also, the level of testosterone — the male sex hormone that is made in the testicles — also drops.”
There are many other problems associated with this as well. Dr. Mehta says, “Life today is very stressful and the older you are, the more likely you are to have concomitant diseases like blood sugar, high blood pressure etc. These in turn can affect sperm quality and libido in men. , and can even cause erectile dysfunction.”
So how long should men ideally father a child? Dr. Mehta says, “At least for first-borns like women, it is ideal for men to become a father at age 35. If it doesn’t, then at least as soon as possible.”
Dr Facy Louis T, Clinical Associate Professor, Amrita Fertility Centre, Kochi, says that with age, the chances of the birth of some children with disabilities can also increase. “If the man is over 45, the child may be slightly more likely to have some disability or anomaly.”
Yet, for some, it is not possible to have a child until a later age. Here are some health advice given by Dr. Manjiri Mehta for an older person planning for parenthood:
– A healthy lifestyle is a must; Exercise, as it increases testosterone levels.
– Limit alcohol consumption and smoking
– Take vitamin C, vitamin D3 and zinc supplements
Avoid eating too much soy as it contains high amounts of isoflavones, which mimic estrogen in the body.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of experts and do not reflect those of Zee News)