How Does Age Affect Human Fertility?

Human fertility is a delicate and complex topic that many people are largely unfamiliar with. While most people understand that fertility has something to do with age, far too many individuals make the mistake of believing that only a woman’s age impacts the fertility of a given couple. In reality, both male and female age has an impact on fertility and the health of the child, something that’s important to keep in mind when doing family planning. 

Here’s a review of what we know about age’s impact on human fertility, and how the often-ignored age of the male partner affects fertility. 

Older fathers are associated with increased birth risks

Many people understand that the older a child-bearing female is, the more risks there are associated with fertility. What fewer people understand is that older fathers, too, are also associated with increased birth risks. Age is a factor that both partners must take into consideration when doing family planning, particularly if you want to avoid certain birth risks which are more common when one or both partners are past a certain age. 

The field of research studying male age as it pertains to fertility is relatively small, and additional studies are needed before sweeping conclusions can be drawn. Nevertheless, we have some medical data to help guide our decision-making process already. Generally speaking, there’s an increased risk of birth-related issues when either partner is above the age of 40, though you should always consult a medical professional before making decisions about your own personal circumstances. Data provided by Stanford Medicine’s News Center shows that older fathers are associated with increased birth risks across the board. 

This shouldn’t stop everyone from embarking upon family planning exercises. You may need to do some shopping for Franklink & Ben baby furniture even if you’re past the age of 40. As parents get older, however, increased risks for things like seizures and underweight babies must be considered when thinking about fertility. Studies show that the average age of those giving birth in the United States has been rising for decades, however, illustrating why additional research in this area is sorely needed. 

A report from Business Insider details how many people are having children later in life because they’re more focused on their careers. Financial security is also harder to come by for younger couples today than it was a few decades ago. Generally speaking, the older a father or mother’s age, the more risks there are when it comes to fertility and giving birth.