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, up to 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 from biology class (it won't be too long, I promise). To remain fertile, a man must produce between 40 and 50 million sperm per milliliter. And according to Livi, there are 4 factors to assess their quality [1]:

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

Bearing in mind, of course, that as long as there are sperm, all hope of conception is possible. Don't forget that it only takes one to fertilize the egg!

Up to what age does male fertility remain intact?

As you may have gathered, it is wrongly believed that men remain fertile throughout their lives. But not at all! According to the Pasteur Institute, one in seven couples worldwide is affected by sterility, and in 30% to 50% of cases, male infertility is the cause [2].

The Agence de la biomédecine states that 78% of men under 25 succeed in conceiving within 6 months, compared to only 58% of those over 35 [3]. 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, which 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, that the risks of chromosomal abnormalities, Down syndrome, and genetic diseases increase in embryos, and even the risk of premature births.

Of course, you can still 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.

Are you in doubt about your current fertility? Our article Men: how to know if you are infertile? will help you find out for sure.

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

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, starting by (if necessary) improving your lifestyle.

Stop smoking

Recent studies show that smoking impacts the shape, motility, and number of sperm. It would induce an increase in oxidative stress, and therefore produce 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 that: exercise, a good diet... and that's it!

Limit processed foods

We know, we're not fun. But to boost your fertilizing capacity, you will also have 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 even quite deleterious, as it leads to a drop in testosterone and other fertility-related hormones. So, avoid drinking too much, or not at all, if you feel capable.

Monitor temperature

It's less well known, but if the testicles are 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, favor loose clothing, and move regularly to air out your body (and mind).

Boost your fertility through diet and stress management

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

Through diet

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

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

Or omega 3s, found notably in:

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

You can integrate them directly into your meals, or turn to an omega-3 food supplement in addition to a varied diet.

By learning to manage stress

No direct and solid link has yet been established between male fertility and stress. However, what we do know is that stress leads to a 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 reduce the perceived stress level.

Remember that male reproduction is more complex than it seems, and fertility is not just a woman's business! Fortunately, concrete levers exist to support one's 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 begin 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 men over 35 [3].

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

How long does it take to improve sperm quality?
Sperm quality renews itself in 70 to 90 days, so the effects of a lifestyle change (quitting smoking, 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 decrease in libido, which can indirectly complicate conception.

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

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