When we hear the term “biological clock,” we think of a woman in her late 30s, racing to get pregnant before that timer goes off.
But experts say the idea that women are the only ones who “age out” of childbirth is, in many ways, a convenient fallacy — and men should educate themselves if they’re hoping to pass on something other than their Spotify password someday.
“It’s a common misconception that only women face age-related fertility challenges,” Dr. Dan Nayot, reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist and chief medical adviser at fertility company Bird&Be, told The Post.
“While female fertility decline is well-documented, nearly 50% of infertility cases are male-factor — and aging affects male fertility too,” he added.
“Men may not ‘age out’ in the same way women do, but age still matters — and being proactive can make a meaningful difference.”
Many point to the fact that Charlie Chaplin fathered a child when he was 73 as proof that male fertility is endless — but most people aren’t “The Tramp.”
“Although men can remain biologically fertile later in life, that doesn’t mean fertility remains unaffected,” Nayot said.
It basically comes down to two considerations: fertility, meaning the ability to impregnate a woman, and reproductive outcomes, meaning the chances of having a healthy baby.
“As men age, sperm quality declines — motility, morphology and DNA integrity all worsen — which
can make it more difficult to conceive and increase the risk of miscarriage, certain genetic conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism spectrum disorder,” Nayot said.
“Beyond sperm quality, sexual function also declines with age — libido, erection maintenance and ejaculation can all be affected.”
Complicating matters is the fact that sperm production issues can go undetected without testing — for example, men who get vasectomies can continue to ejaculate without producing sperm.
Oftentimes, men might not even know about their sperm quality until they try to have a baby, at which point it might be too late.
Since the subject can be — at best — a touchy one, at-home sperm tests offer a more private and “convenient way to assess factors like sperm count and motility, helping men identify potential issues early and seek support sooner,” Nayot said.
So, if we had to put a number on it?
“In reproductive medicine, ‘advanced paternal age’ typically refers to men aged 40 and older at the time of conception,” he said.
Luckily, there are things you can do to boost your chances, especially if you’re still on the younger side.
“When planning for fatherhood, the earlier you begin, the better — provided you’re prepared for the journey,” he said.
“While aging is inevitable, strategic planning and health optimization can significantly improve outcomes.”
Nayot recommends adopting healthier habits ASAP, since sperm production is a rolling process that takes two to three months and is sensitive to lifestyle factors.
“Research consistently shows that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity, to name a few, impair sperm quality,” he said.
“In fact, sperm health is often considered a marker of overall wellness, underscoring the importance of prioritizing your physical health.”
His advice for optimizing sperm quality include:
- Improving sleep
- Increasing physical activity
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking certain supplements, such as coenzyme Q10, zinc, vitamin E, L-carnitine, folate, selenium and DHA
No conversation about male fertility would be complete without addressing testosterone, with research indicating a steep decline in this crucial hormone among young men in recent years.
“Research shows a real decline in testosterone levels over the past few decades — likely closer to 20–25%, not 50% — but that’s still a significant issue and shouldn’t be dismissed,” Nayot said.
While some say this statistic is simply due to changes in the way testosterone levels have been measured over time, others believe that some of the same factors contributing to the obesity epidemic — excessive weight, environmental disruption and increasingly sedentary lifestyles — are to blame.
One thing’s for sure: it doesn’t bode well for men or women.
“The impact has wide-reaching implications for fertility and future generations,” he said.
To combat what some may call a modern-day fertility crisis, Nayot recommends making moves now.
“Create a game plan. Speak to your partner about family planning goals and timelines.
Prioritize your health through lifestyle changes and consider an at-home sperm test,” he said.
“Early detection allows for timely intervention. Be proactive about your fertility.”
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