Everybody knows that women over age 35 have a reduced chance of conceiving a baby, thus the old saying about a ticking biological clock. What is less well known is that one of the most important reasons for this drop in pregnancy rates has to do with the male partner.

"Every year six million couples seek medical advice for infertility. There are even more couples who have difficulty conceiving children but lack the resources or knowledge to even seek medical attention," says Central Texas urologist Sandeep G. Mistry, MD, MPH of North Austin Urology. "Of all infertile couples that undergo an evaluation, there is a male contributor to the problem identified HALF THE TIME. In fact, both patients and doctors underestimate the possibility that abnormal sperm may be an important factor to the couple's difficulties. Many cultures and civilizations equate fertility with manliness or strength. This would help explain why men are reluctant to explore whether they may be the cause of a couple's infertility."

"Women dictate the pace of when couples decide to start a family and as that age creeps upward, the impact of age and lifestyle on men's fertility becomes more important. The number of new fathers over the age of 35 has almost doubled in the last 30 years."

Studies have shown that even with assisted-reproduction a man's chances of fathering a child decrease with each passing year. "Even though men are constantly making new sperm, the volume, motility (ability to move toward its destination, an awaiting egg), and structure of sperm all decline with age. Additionally, older fathers are at increased risk of having children with Down Syndrome and psychiatric disorders," adds Dr. Mistry.

Tips For Maximizing Fertility

"As men delay fatherhood longer, the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on fertility may be getting worse. It is important to learn what lifestyle choices can impact sperm quality and seek help early if you feel that you may have a problem," believes Dr. Mistry. The following are his suggestions to help improve chances of fathering a child.

• Stop smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes are toxic to sperm and their DNA.
• Just say no. Using marijuana even once every two weeks will have a negative effect on sperm.
• Limit Coffee. Drink no more than 1 or 2 cups per day
• Avoid heat. Prolonged saunas, hot tubs, laptop use on your lap and tight fitting shorts all can damage sperm.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit alcohol. Consume only moderate amounts no more than twice per week.
• Eat well. Develop good nutritional habits.
• Supplement wisely. Do not take higher than recommended doses of Vitamins or supplements.
• Ask for help. Be aware of sexual problems and do not hesitate to ask for medical advice.

"This is not to say that older men can not father healthy children even into their 50's, 60's and 70's," he says. "Both partners should seek medical advice if they are having trouble conceiving."

For More Information

You can learn more about infertility and infertility testing on GoodHealth.com's medical encyclopedia.

Sandeep G. Mistry, MD, MPH
Urology

North Austin Urology
1000 Hesters Crossing Ste 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: (512) 238-0762

Dr. Mistry is a graduate of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX where he also completed his residency in Urologic Surgery. He is currently in private practice in Austin and Round Rock.