Infertility is often thought to be a woman’s concern, but male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. As men age, fertility declines due to changes in sperm quality, hormonal imbalances and health conditions. However, with advancements in reproductive medicine, age-related male infertility treatments and fertility treatments for older men offer hope for those looking to conceive later in life. Earlier, we had focused on the impact of age and health conditions on male fertility as well as male fertility preservation. Today, we discuss treatment options for such cases.
How Age Affects Male Fertility
Reduction in Sperm Quality
Ageing affects sperm concentration, motility (movement) and morphology (shape), reducing the ability of sperm to reach and fertilise the egg. Older men also have a slight increase in chromosome errors, which can lead to genetic abnormalities.
Increased Risk of Genetic Disorders
As men age, the likelihood of passing on certain genetic conditions rises. This includes:
- Autosomal Dominant Conditions – Disorders such as achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism) become more common in children of older fathers.
- Autism & Schizophrenia – Studies suggest a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia in offspring of men over 40.
Changes in Ejaculation & Erectile Function
Older men often experience a decrease in ejaculate volume and reduced ejaculation force. These issues become three times more common in men aged 60–70 compared with those under 40. Additionally, erectile dysfunction (ED) may occur at any stage of adulthood, but the risk increases significantly with age.
Prostate Health & Its Impact on Fertility
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, affects 50% of men over 50 and 80% of those in their 70s. BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can cause difficulties in ejaculation and sexual function, impacting fertility.
Health Conditions That Affect Male Fertility
Several health issues can impair male reproductive function, including:
- Hormonal Imbalances – Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) affect sperm production.
- Varicocele – Enlarged veins in the scrotum increase testicular temperature, harming sperm.
- Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure negatively impact sperm health.
- Lifestyle Factors – Smoking, alcohol, poor diet and stress contribute to infertility.
Diagnostic Tests for Male Infertility
A male infertility test is essential to determine the cause of fertility issues. Common assessments include:
- Semen Analysis – Assesses sperm concentration, movement and shape to evaluate fertility potential.
- Hormonal Testing – Measures testosterone and other fertility-related hormones.
- Genetic Testing – Identifies chromosomal abnormalities that may impact reproduction.
- Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test – The SCSA® test we perform measures DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) to evaluate sperm health.
Age-Related Male Infertility Treatments
Lifestyle & Dietary Changes
Improving lifestyle can significantly enhance sperm quality. Major recommendations include:
- Healthy Diet – Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins C & E and omega-3 fatty acids support sperm health.
- Regular Exercise – Moderate physical activity boosts testosterone and improves circulation.
- Avoiding Harmful Substances – Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and avoiding toxins is crucial.
Medical Treatments for Age-Related Infertility
1. Hormonal Therapy: Men with low testosterone or hormonal imbalances may benefit from medications like gonadotropins to stimulate sperm production.
2. Antioxidant Supplements: Antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and L-carnitine help reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm DNA quality.
Surgical Treatments:
1. Varicocele Repair: A minor surgical procedure to remove enlarged veins in the scrotum, improving sperm quality.
2. Sperm Retrieval Techniques: For men with low or no sperm in their ejaculate, techniques like Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) can help retrieve viable sperm for assisted reproduction.
Fertility Treatments for Older Men
For men experiencing infertility due to age, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offer effective solutions:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – A simple procedure where healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab and embryos are implanted in the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – An advanced IVF method where a single sperm is carefully inserted into an egg to aid fertilisation.
Treatments for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Since prostate enlargement can affect fertility and sexual function, several treatment options are available:
Watchful Waiting: For mild cases with minimal symptoms, doctors may recommend monitoring the condition without immediate treatment.
1. Medications:
- Alpha-Blockers – Relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder, improving urine flow.
- 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors – Reduce prostate size by blocking hormone production.
- Combination Therapy – Some men benefit from using both types of medication.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Laser Therapy – Uses lasers to remove excess prostate tissue.
- UroLift – Lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra.
3. Surgical Options
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – A common surgery to remove part of the prostate.
- Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) – A more advanced technique for removing prostate tissue with minimal side effects.
Why Choose Andrology Center in Coimbatore?
We are at the forefront of diagnostics for male fertility care, offering:
- Expert Diagnosis – The only lab in India authorised to conduct the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®) for sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI).
- Comprehensive Testing – Hormonal, genetic and semen analysis to identify fertility issues.
- Standardised Reports – Our reports assist fertility specialists in deciding on tailored therapies to maximise fertility potential.
Conclusion
Male infertility linked to age and health conditions can be managed with the right treatments. Whether through lifestyle changes, medications, surgical procedures or assisted reproduction, age-related male infertility treatments offer hope for men looking to become fathers later in life.
For expert male infertility tests, visit Andrology Center in Coimbatore. With our state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology, the results are guaranteed and can help men take control of their reproductive health and overcome fertility challenges.
