Age

Over the last decade, delaying childbearing until later in life has been a common choice amongst couples. A variety of factors may contribute to a couple’s decision to delay starting a family such as career choices, economic reasons and the misconception that fertility doesn’t diminish with age. With this decision to put off pregnancy comes the risk of a reduced opportunity to successfully conceive.

Effect Of Age On Men

Although age affects women’s fertility more than it does men’s, men should not discount age as a contributing factor to infertility. There is a gradual decrease in fertility in men over age 35 and an increased risk of congenital genetic defects with older fathers, just as there is with older mothers. Several changes can occur in men as a result of increasing age including:

Decreased testicular function
Decreased hormone levels
Decreased sperm production