Fertility in men: up to what age?

Did you know that Charlie Chaplin had a baby at 73? Yes, unlike women, men remain fertile for a long time. A very long time. But are they as fertile at 70 as they are at 25? When it comes to conceiving a child, we almost exclusively talk about female fertility and how mothers-to-be are subject to the famous biological clock. So, until what age is a man fertile? Let’s zoom in on this often-overlooked topic and break it down from A to Z.

How does male fertility work?

Let’s start with a quick refresher from biology class (promise, it's not that long ago). To remain fertile, a man needs to produce between 40 and 50 million sperm per milliliter. And according to Livi, there are 4 factors used to rate their quality [1]:

• the number of gametes;
• sperm motility;
• their shape;
• their volume.

Keeping in mind, of course, that as long as sperm exist, there is hope for conception. Don't forget that it only takes one to fertilize the egg!

Until what age does male fertility remain intact?

As you may have gathered, it is a common misconception that men remain fertile their entire lives. But that’s not true! According to the Institut Pasteur, one in seven couples worldwide is affected by infertility, and in 30 to 50% of cases, male infertility is the cause [2].

The Agence de la biomédecine specifies that 78% of men under 25 succeed in conceiving within 6 months, compared to only 58% of those over 35 [3]. This gradual decline in fertility is explained as follows:

• the quantity of sperm decreases, and therefore the chances of fertilization decrease as well;
• testosterone (which plays a key role in sexual performance) also declines, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.

It should also be noted that as men age, their DNA becomes more fragmented. What does that mean? Well, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, trisomy, and genetic diseases increases in embryos, as well as the risk of premature births.

Of course, you can still have a baby with a man over 35! You just need to keep in mind that the chances of pregnancy can sometimes be more complicated.

Are you in doubt about your current fertility? Our article Men: how do you know if you are fertile? will help you get to the bottom of it.

What to do in case of a drop in male fertility?

The good news is that sperm quality renews every 70 to 90 days. So gentlemen, if yours is flagging, you should be able to boost your chances of conceiving in just 2 to 3 months by starting (if necessary) to improve your lifestyle.

Quit smoking

Recent studies show that cigarettes affect the shape, motility, and number of sperm. Smoking induces an increase in oxidative stress and therefore has a devastating effect on gametes.

Lose weight

Obesity can also alter sperm quality. It:

• affects blood circulation (erectile dysfunction);
• creates hormonal changes (risk of infertility);
• increases sperm oxidation (poor quality).

To limit all this: exercise, a good diet... and that's it!

Limit processed foods

We know, we aren't being fun. But to boost your fertility, you will also need to consider limiting:

• red meat;
• processed foods;
• coffee.

These foods, rich in saturated fatty acids and trans fats, can lead to poor quality sperm.

Limit alcohol consumption

No, alcohol is not your reproductive system's best friend either. It is actually quite harmful, as it causes a drop in testosterone and other hormones linked to fertility. So, avoid drinking too much, or drinking at all, if you feel capable of it.

Monitor temperature

It is less well-known, but if the testicles get too hot, sperm quality takes a hit. This can happen if you:

• wear clothes that are too tight;
• work with your laptop on your lap;
• keep your phone in your pocket.

To avoid overheating, choose loose-fitting clothing and move around regularly to air out your body (and your mind).

Boosting fertility through diet and stress management

We know how much infertility can be a source of anxiety when you are trying to conceive a child. Here are some concrete steps.

Through diet

To support sperm production, you can adopt a diet based on fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. Among the most studied nutrients in this area are antioxidants such as:

• vitamin B12;
• vitamin C;
• zinc;
• folate.

Or omega-3s, found in particular in:

• oily fish (sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.);
• land-based plants (rapeseed oil, flax, walnuts, etc.).

You can include them directly in your meals, or turn to an omega-3 dietary supplement in addition to a varied and balanced diet.

By learning to manage stress

A direct, solid link between male fertility and stress has not yet been established. However, what we do know is that stress leads to a lower libido, and without it, it's hard to feel like having a child.

To limit stress, consider practicing meditation or breathing exercises. Even 5 minutes is enough to lower your perceived stress level.

So remember that human reproduction is more complex than it seems, and that fertility is not just a woman's business! Fortunately, concrete levers exist to support your chances of conception. Because yes, despite the challenges of procreation, hope and solutions remain within reach for those who aspire to parenthood.

Frequently asked questions about male fertility and age

At what age does male fertility start to decline?
There is no sudden threshold, but the decline is gradual and measurable from age 35: 78% of men under 25 conceive within 6 months, compared to 58% of those over 35 [3].

Can a man be fertile his whole life?
Male fertility declines with age but does not generally stop as abruptly as it does in women, which explains the late pregnancies sometimes observed in very elderly men, although these are statistically rarer.

How long does it take to improve sperm quality?
Sperm quality renews every 70 to 90 days, so the effects of a lifestyle change (quitting smoking, a varied and balanced diet, stress management) can be measured in 2 to 3 months.

Does stress affect male fertility?
The direct link between stress and sperm quality is not clearly established, but stress leads to a drop in libido, which can indirectly complicate conception.

What factors can affect male fertility in daily life?
Smoking, alcohol, obesity, a diet rich in processed foods, and prolonged exposure to heat around the testicles (tight clothing, laptop on the lap) can all negatively impact sperm quality.

This article is written for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any doubts about your fertility, consult your doctor or a specialist.