We frequently discuss the risks associated with women having kids past the age of 35, but we talk much less about the risks associated with older men. The risks are real. Men and women should be well-informed.

These days, many more men have children later in life. Increased life expectancy, later or second marriages, and other reasons have led to a trend in men over 50 having kids.

But, what are the risks and are they manageable?

Infertility

Best estimates are that 20% of cases of infertility experienced by couples, are caused solely by male factors. However, that number rises to 30-40% when considering male fertility complications as a contributory factor to couple infertility.

The accepted principle is that age matters. Sperm counts reduce at about the age of 34. This becomes fairly noticeable by the age of 40; by that time generally concentration as a percentage of normal sperm declines. By the age of 45, sperm motility and amount of ejaculated sperm also declines.

It’s not all bad news. Much of this age associated decline is also associated with other factors that some people may control, such as sexual function and activity, nutrition and lifestyle, hormones and disease. It is sound advice that lifestyle changes including exercise and diet, stress reduction and other significant changes may assist male factor fertility.

TCM and acupuncture have been very effective at treating many issues associated with male factor infertility.

Erectile Disfunction

Many men over the age of 50 experience erectile disfunction. While some pharmaceuticals may effectively treat the symptom, they do nothing to address possible underlying causes.

Besides TCM and acupuncture, we often recommend men stop smoking, engage in a consistent exercise routine including cardiovascular exercise and weightlifting, maintain an appropriate and health body weight, and consider seeking professional help to deal with work, home and other sources of stress.

What About The Children?

Recent research suggests that men who have children later in life may be increasing the risk to their kids, of health disorders including congenital chromosomal issues. Research isn’t conclusive. Parental age alone does not determine the health of offspring. It makes a lot more sense to concentrate on matters in your control then on things you cannot control like your age.

We frequently treat men for a variety of infertility and reproductive health matters. If you would like more information, please call us at 416-532-9094 or to schedule an appointment, click below.