What Age is the Male Biological Clock? Expert Weighs In

The whole world was shocked when actor Robert De Niro embraced fatherhood at 79 in the year 2023. He was not the first, nor the last one, who became a father at such an older age. But because of his global fame, this news became a hot topic of discussion. Whenever male celebrities become dads in their 50s, 60s or 70s, it somehow adds to the pre-existing notion that all men are forever fertile – till birth to death. Not just celebs, even in our own surroundings, when we hear such a news, this is our first thought. Is this a myth or reality? Have you ever wondered if men, like women, have a biological clock too?

To get answers on all these questions, we got in touch with Dr Aruna Kalra, Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who gave us an in-depth insight into the topic. Let’s get started.

What Is A Biological Clock?

Biological clock indicates the mechanism that controls a living being’s physiological activities. Generally, when we say ‘your biological clock is ticking’, this means the person is running out of time to reproduce, as fertility declines with age. This statement is usually aimed at women. As a woman ages, it gets all the more complicated to have a healthy pregnancy. But it is not just confined to women alone.

With age, our bodies and organs begin to get weaker and their functionality diminishes. Both women and men need to be in good health and to have successful and healthy pregnancies. The quality and number of eggs and sperm start declining. This can give way to multiple complications or issues.

Breaking The Male Fertility Myth

We have heard about men embracing fatherhood in their 50s, 60s and even 70s. Just about recently, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan welcomed his newborn at the age of 58. There are plenty of such examples in the film world and beyond. Such instances often make us wonder: do all or majority men remain fertile till the 70s?

“It is a misconception that most men remain equally fertile in their 60s and 70s. Although men may still be able to father children at that age, the chances of conception significantly decrease due to reduced sperm count, lower motility, and higher rates of DNA fragmentation. Moreover, older men are more likely to experience hormonal changes and age-related health issues that further affect fertility. Therefore, while fertility may not cease entirely, it certainly declines with age,” explains Dr Kalra.

Changes In Male Sperm Quality

Dr Kalra further explains that in men, sperm quality typically begins to decline gradually after the age of 35. “Studies have shown that sperm motility, volume, and morphology start to decrease, while DNA fragmentation increases with advancing age. The rate of decline varies among individuals depending on lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help slow down this natural deterioration to some extent,” she explains.

Another fact that one should bear in mind is that male age can influence a couple’s chances of conception, even if the female partner is young and healthy. Dr Kalra notes that as sperm quality declines, fertilization rates may drop, and the likelihood of early pregnancy loss can rise. Studies suggest that it can take longer for couples to conceive when the male partner is older, particularly over 40, as sperm may have reduced motility and increased DNA damage.

Do Men Have A Biological Age?

Now, let us address the elephant in the room. Do men have a biological clock too?

“Yes, men do have a biological clock, although it functions differently from that of women. While men can technically produce sperm throughout their lives, their reproductive potential is not constant. Over time, testosterone levels gradually decline, sperm quality diminishes, and the risk of genetic abnormalities increases. This gradual biological decline can impact fertility and the health of future children, making the concept of a male biological clock a scientific reality rather than a myth.”

Dr Kalra further throws light on this and states that advanced paternal age has been linked to an increased risk of certain health issues in children, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and some genetic or developmental conditions.

“Older fathers are also more likely to pass on DNA mutations that occur naturally over time in sperm. Additionally, pregnancies involving older fathers may carry a higher risk of miscarriage and complications, emphasizing the importance of considering paternal age as part of reproductive planning,” cites Dr Kalra.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/why-should-men-watch-their-biological-clock-1721298391

Tips For Maintaining Sperm Quality

Let’s take a look at some of the tips, shared by our expert, which men can follow to maintain sperm health:

• A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium supports sperm production.
• Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are also vital.
• Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, recreational drugs, and exposure to heat or radiation helps preserve sperm quality.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension further support reproductive health.

The Final Word

There is no universally ‘perfect age’ for fatherhood. Men are, biologically, most fertile and produce the healthiest sperm between their 20s and early 30s. Fertility and sperm quality begin to decline gradually after 35. From both biological and social perspectives, the ideal time to embrace fatherhood is when one is physically healthy, emotionally mature, and ready to take on the responsibilities of parenting.