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 25 as they are at 70? Because when it comes to conceiving a child, we almost exclusively talk about female fertility. Future mothers who remain dependent on the famous biological clock. So, until what age is a man fertile? Let's take a closer look at this topic, which is still too rarely discussed, but which we will break down for you from A to Z.

How does male fertility work?

Let's start with a quick refresher on biology class (promise, it's not that long ago). To remain fertile, a man must produce between 40 and 50 million sperm per milliliter. And according to Livi, there are 4 factors for assessing their quality:

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

Of course, as long as there are sperm, there is still hope for conception. Don't forget that it only takes one to fertilize the egg!

 

Until what age does male fertility remain intact?

You've probably gathered that we mistakenly believe men remain fertile their entire lives. But no! According to the Institut Pasteur, worldwide, one in seven couples cannot have a baby. And in 30% to 50% of cases, the male partner is the cause of this decrease in fertility.

The Agence de la biomédecine states that 78% of men under 25 succeed in conceiving within 6 months. Compared to only 58% of men over 35. Here's how this gradual decline in fertility is explained:

• The quantity of sperm decreases, and therefore the chances of fertilization also decrease.
• Testosterone (which plays a key role in sexual performance) also declines. And this can lead to erectile dysfunction.

It should also be noted that the older a man gets, the more his DNA fragments. What does that mean? Well, it means that the risks of chromosomal abnormalities, the risk of Down syndrome, and genetic diseases increase in embryos. And even the risk of premature births.

Of course, it's still possible to have a baby with a man over 35! You just have to keep in mind that the chances of pregnancy can sometimes become more complicated.

Do you have doubts about your current fertility? Our article "Men: how to know if you are infertile?" will help you clear things up.

 

 

 

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

Good news: sperm quality renews itself in 70 to 90 days. So, gentlemen, if yours is low, you should be able to increase your chances of conception in just 2 to 3 months. Start by (if necessary) improving your lifestyle.

Quit smoking

Recent studies show that cigarettes impact the shape, motility, and number of sperm. This would induce an increase in oxidative stress, and thus produce a devastating effect on gametes.

Lose weight

Obesity can also impair sperm quality. It:

• Affects blood circulation (= erectile dysfunction).
• Causes hormonal changes (= risk of infertility).
• Increases sperm oxidation (= poor quality).

To limit all that: physical activity, a good diet… and voilà!

Eliminate processed foods

We know, we're not fun. But to boost your fertility, you'll also have to consider limiting:

• red meat;
• processed foods;
• coffee.

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

Limit alcohol consumption

And no, alcohol is not your reproductive system's best friend either. In fact, it remains quite detrimental, as it causes a decrease in testosterone and other hormones related to fertility.

So, avoid drinking too much. Or don't drink at all, if you feel capable of it.

Monitor temperature

We know less about this, but if the testicles get too hot, sperm quality takes a hit. This can happen if you:

• wear overly tight clothing;
• work with your laptop on your lap;
• keep your phone in your pocket.

To avoid overheating, opt for loose clothing. And move regularly to air out your body (and your mind).

 

Boosting male fertility: we explain

We know how much infertility can be a source of anxiety when trying to conceive a child. So here are some tips to help you.

Boost male fertility through diet

To boost sperm production, start by adopting a diet based on fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. The must? Foods rich in antioxidants such as:

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

Or omega-3s such as:

• fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.)
• terrestrial plants (rapeseed oil, flax, walnuts, etc.)

You can add them to your meals, or consume them as omega-3 vegan supplements.

Learn to manage stress

We haven't yet concretely linked male fertility and stress. However, what we do know is that stress leads to a definite decrease in libido. And without it, it's difficult to want to have a child.

To limit it, consider practicing meditation or breathing exercises. Even 5 minutes are enough to lower stress levels. Not insignificant!

Women can also boost their fertility

Are you a woman looking to boost your fertility? At Boome, we want you to have all the chances on your side. So we've created fertility vitamins for women. Plant-based, 100% natural, they will help you to:

• Boost your ovulation.
• Improve the quality of your oocytes.
• Rebalance your cycles and hormones.

In short, a real boost if you are experiencing difficulties conceiving.

 

Remember that male reproduction is more complex than it seems. And that fertility is not just a woman's issue! Fortunately, concrete tips exist to boost their chances of conception. Because yes, despite the challenges of procreation, hope and solutions remain within reach for both women AND men who aspire to parenthood.