CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Does a Man's Age Affect Fertility?

Does my husband's age have any effect on our chances of getting pregnant?
save article
profile picture of Dr. Debbra Keegan
By Dr. Debbra Keegan, Fertility Specialist
Updated January 30, 2017
Hero Image

The likelihood of pregnancy depends mostly on maternal age rather than paternal age. There is no definitive age when men cannot reproduce because the number, or concentration, of  sperm remains relatively constant for them. Even with decreases in semen volume, sperm motility and sperm morphology (the size and shape of sperm), men are able to produce sperm well into their senior years. While some studies have shown that advanced paternal age may be linked to higher miscarriage rates, these data are difficult to interpret due to differences in maternal age and the small numbers of patients in these studies. Nonetheless, while the effects of paternal age on  fertility may not be as dramatic as with maternal age, younger is probably better.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

woman looking at pregnancy test
Pseudocyesis: What Is a False or Phantom Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman taking ovulation test on toilet at home
5 Best Ovulation Tests to Find Your Fertile Days, Based on Our Testing
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman looking at contraceptive pills and calendar on phone
How to Get Pregnant Fast: Tips for Trying to Conceive
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
illustrative image of a woman's menstrual cycle
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
How to Choose the Type of Artificial Insemination That’s Right for You
How to Choose the Type of Artificial Insemination That’s Right for You
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Serious woman at home in her bedroom.
What to Know About Ovulation Pain When You’re Trying to Conceive
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
doctor talking to patient about fertility process
10 Crazy Fertility Myths—Debunked
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
illustration of sperm moving towards egg
Calculating Your Fertile Window: When Are You Most Fertile?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
husband hugging worried wife
How to Deal When Everyone Else Is Pregnant (and You’re TTC)
Fact Checked by Denise Porretto
happy young couple eating breakfast at home
10 Things to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Frida Fertility
Frida Launches New Line of No-Nonsense Fertility Products
By Wyndi Kappes
woman tracking her menstrual cycle on calendar
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?
By Korin Miller
young couple enjoying breakfast at home
New Study Suggests Intermittent Fasting Could Have Impact on Fertility
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
10 slides
Now Eat This! the 10 Best Foods for Boosting Fertility
Now Eat This! the 10 Best Foods for Boosting Fertility
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
12 Fertility-Boosting Yoga Moves in GIFs
12 Fertility-Boosting Yoga Moves in GIFs
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of baby bump in black and white
Why I Can’t Be There: an Open Letter to My Pregnant Friends
By Natalie Dale, MD
IUI: Your Guide to Intrauterine Insemination
IUI: Your Guide to Intrauterine Insemination
By Maggie Overfelt
ADVERTISEMENT
8 Shocking Facts About Trying to Get Pregnant
8 Shocking Facts About Trying to Get Pregnant
By Kylie McConville
young woman smiling coyly and and walking through city streets
8 Signs of Fertility to Look for Each Month
By Temeka Zore, MD
Getting Pregnant Checklist
Getting Pregnant Checklist
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List