A recent paper published in the journal Maturitas, found that men may have a so-called biological clock and those aged 45 and older (and maybe as young as 35) experience a decrease in fertility that puts their partners and future child at risk for increased pregnancy complications.

Researchers have found a man’s age can affect his fertility, the well-being of his partner during pregnancy, and the long-term health of his children. The study suggests that more men may want to consider banking their sperm before age 35 if they intend to wait until later in life to start a family.

The study reviewed 40 years of research on the effect of parental age on fertility, pregnancy and the health of children.

"While it is widely accepted that physiological changes that occur in women after 35 can affect conception, pregnancy and the health of the child, most men do not realize their advanced age can have a similar impact," said Gloria Bachmann, Director of the Women's Health Institute at Rutgers University's Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Bachman attributes most of the outcomes to age related changes in men including lower testosterone levels, an accumulation of harmful genetic mutations in sperm cells, and an overall decline in sperm count and quality. These changes may affect the chances of conception and pregnancy and also the health of their children. These risks are found even when older men try to have children with women under the age of 25.

Children born to older fathers were found to have an increased likelihood of childhood cancers, psychiatric and cognitive disorders, and autism as they aged.

Many of these same risks are also associated older mothers, but the researchers are careful to note that older men are rarely advised by doctors about this time related issue.

Total Wellness Centre successfully treats both men and women for fertility related disorders, including age related factors.

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