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Old Sperm Die Hard
Does Age Affect Sperm Quality?
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
The number of sperm cells that are produced in aging males continues to be the main focus of studies. "In aging men, the reduction in average daily sperm production is thought to be a main cause of infertility," says Dr. Silber. "It has been proven that the beginning of the reduction of sperm cell production can begin as early as age 25 and continues to decrease. The age-related decline in daily sperm production results largely from a block to further produce sperm that can and do mature in the early prophase stage of production. To explain this in a different fashion, there is no difference between older men and younger men in the number of early primary sperm cells per gram of testicular tissue. However, there is a vast difference between older and younger men in the number of late (or mature) sperm cells."
"Men experience an age-related decrease in testicular size and in sperm production," says Dr. Silber. "In some men, there is a decline in testosterone production that becomes noticeable after the age of 40. The loss of testosterone can result in a decrease in bone and muscle mass in the aging male, the loss of sex-drive, the decreased ability of the body to produce and mature sperm cells, as well as the inability to obtain or maintain an erection. Both the decrease in testosterone and the decrease in sperm production cause an age-related decrease in fertility. In addition, sperm may also be affected by repeated ejaculation decreasing the secretions of the glands, the decrease of the number of hormones and the weakening of the sexual muscles."
According to both the American Infertility Association and Dr. Silber, some of the most common effects of age on the sperm that is produced include the following:
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