Male Fertility – Age Chart, Tests, and Supplements

Male fertility often receives less attention than female fertility, yet it plays an equally critical role in a couple’s ability to get pregnant. Research consistently shows that male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases worldwide. In this concise overview, we explore how sperm are produced, what affects the health of your sperm, how paternal age can impact your fertility, the causes and tests for male infertility, essential supplements, and treatments—ranging from lifestyle adjustments to advanced reproductive technologies.

Understanding Male Fertility

Male infertility arises from a variety of issues that affect sperm production, sperm in your semen, or the ability of sperm to move effectively toward the egg. Globally, about 15% of couples are unable to achieve a pregnancy after a year of regular intercourse, with male fertility problems contributing to about 50% of these cases. In some areas, cultural barriers or limited medical resources obscure the true scope of male fertility challenges.

How Sperm Is Produced

Sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs primarily in the testicles and is governed by hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland:

• Hypothalamus: Produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

• Pituitary Gland: Releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH stimulates testosterone in the testicles, while FSH aids in forming mature sperm cells.

• Testicular Function: Sertoli cells and Leydig cells are crucial for nurturing and producing healthy sperm. After forming, sperm move to the epididymis to mature. They’re stored until ejaculation. A complete cycle takes around 64 days, though sperm are produced continuously.

Factors That Influence Healthy Sperm

Numerous factors can affect male fertility and the quality of sperm:

• Lifestyle and Environment: Balanced diet and regular exercise help improve your fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol, and certain recreational drugs may negatively affect your sperm and sperm motility. High temperature exposure (e.g., hot tubs, tight clothing) can reduce sperm production.

• Medical and Genetic Factors: Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, thyroid disorders) can decrease sperm count and sperm quality. Sexually transmitted infections or varicoceles may cause male infertility by harming the testicles or blocking sperm from entering your semen. Genetic conditions (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome) may result in malformed sperm or absence of sperm.

• Age and Overall Health: Male fertility gradually declines, especially after 40. You may notice a lower sperm count and higher DNA fragmentation rates. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can affect male fertility.

Male Fertility Age Chart

A study in the UK found that as paternal age increases, time to conception also tends to rise. Around age 30, the chance of pregnancy per month begins to drop slightly, and by age 40 or older, fecundity may decline by an estimated 10% or more. While female age is generally more impactful, male reproductive age remains an important factor.

How Fertility Changes with Age

With increasing age, sperm morphology (shape), sperm motility, and seminal volume can all shift. Meanwhile, the risk of sperm DNA fragmentation and hormonal fluctuations rises. Although not as sudden as female menopause, the decrease in testosterone and overall sperm health can still reduce your chances of achieving pregnancy as you age.

• Sperm Morphology: A greater proportion of malformed sperm can appear.

• Sperm Motility: The ability of sperm to move efficiently often declines.

• Seminal Volume: May slightly decrease, affecting sperm quantity.

• DNA Fragmentation: Higher rates can prolong time to get pregnant or raise early pregnancy loss risk.

• Hormonal Shifts: Testosterone typically starts declining in the 40s, affecting libido and sperm production.

• Lifestyle Factors: Chronic illnesses and certain medications further impact male fertility.

Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can be categorized as congenital, acquired, or idiopathic (unexplained):

Congenital Causes

• Y Chromosome Microdeletions: Can severely affect sperm production.

• Klinefelter Syndrome (47,XXY): Characterized by small testicles, low testosterone, and low sperm count.

• Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicle): If untreated, can damage testicular tissue.

• Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens: Often linked to CFTR mutations, preventing sperm from entering semen.

Acquired Causes

• Varicocele: Raised temperature around the testicles often leads to decreased sperm quality or low sperm count.

• Infections or Inflammation: Chronic prostatitis, epididymitis, or orchitis can block or damage sperm.

• Hormonal Problems: Any disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis can reduce the amount of sperm.

• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, high alcohol intake, anabolic steroids, obesity, and stress can all affect male fertility.

• Environmental Exposures: Pesticides, heavy metals, and toxins may cause male

Idiopathic Factors

• Up to 30–50% of men with fertility issues have no identifiable cause. Research into epigenetics, oxidative stress, and sperm DNA fragmentation continues to explore unexplained male reproductive challenges.

Male Fertility Tests

Identifying reasons for lower sperm counts, poor sperm motility, or other fertility issues typically involves:

Semen Analysis for Sperm Count and Motility

The semen analysis is the cornerstone of assessing sperm in your semen. Key parameters include:

Concentration	≥15× 10^6 sperm per mL
Total Motility (progressive)	≥ 32%
Total Sperm Count	≥39×10^6 sperm per ejaculate
Morphology	≥4% morphologically normal cells
Volume	≥1.5 mL

Because sperm parameters can vary, it’s a good idea to repeat the test about two weeks apart to confirm findings.

Hormone Evaluation and Genetic Testing

Hormone Testing often includes FSH, LH, and testosterone, as abnormal levels can cause male infertility. Thyroid or prolactin tests may also be done.

Genetic Analysis

• Karyotyping can reveal chromosomal abnormalities.

• Y Chromosome Microdeletions are checked especially in severe oligospermia (sperm count <5 million/mL).

• CFTR Gene screening if congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens is suspected.

Advanced Diagnostic Methods

Some men require further tests if standard evaluations are inconclusive:

• Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing: High fragmentation can reduce your chance of pregnancy.

• Oxidative Stress Evaluation: Measures reactive oxygen species that may harm sperm quantity and quality.

• Sperm Function Assays: Tests for acrosome reaction or sperm penetration, especially after repeated assisted reproduction failures.

• Imaging (Ultrasound): Checks for structural abnormalities like varicoceles or obstructions.

Male Fertility Supplements

Many men try supplements to improve sperm health or to enhance sperm parameters. A 2020 review by Kuchakulla et al. showed that while certain vitamins and antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc) can protect sperm or help keep your sperm healthier, other ingredients have limited supporting data. Always ask your doctor before using any supplement to avoid over-supplementation or adverse effects.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Below are some of the key nutrients often found in male fertility supplements, along with a summary of their evidence bases:

Vitamins / Minerals	Potential Benefits	Mechanism
Vitamin C	Studies suggest improved sperm motility, morphology, and concentration.	As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals in the seminal fluid, potentially protecting sperm from DNA damage.
Vitamin E	Multiple randomized trials show it can improve sperm motility, viability, and reduce oxidative stress markers.	Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant. By reducing lipid peroxidation in sperm membranes, it can enhance sperm function.
Zinc	Associated with better sperm motility, count, and fertilizing capacity; may also lower sperm DNA fragmentation.	Zinc is critical for numerous enzymatic reactions in sperm development and helps stabilize cell membranes against oxidative damage.
Folic Acid (Folate)	Some evidence points to improved sperm integrity, count, and possible synergy with zinc.	Folate is essential for proper DNA synthesis and methylation. Adequate levels may support healthier spermatogenesis.
Selenium	Conflicting data—some small studies show better motility, whereas others show no improvement or even a decline.	Selenium contributes to antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase but might cause harm if over-supplemented.
Vitamin B12	Mixed; a few studies show no consistent improvement in sperm count or motility, but it remains a key micronutrient in DNA synthesis.	B12 plays a role in cell division, including rapidly dividing germ cells in the testes.
Vitamin D3	Some research suggests correlation with sperm quality; however, a large trial found no significant benefit in men with normal vitamin D levels.	Believed to help modulate calcium homeostasis and hormone regulation; evidence for direct fertility benefits remains limited.

Management and Treatment for Male Infertility

Treatment may include simple measures (diet changes, cutting toxins) or advanced procedures (intracytoplasmic sperm injection, vasectomy reversal, etc.). Working with a urologist who specializes in male infertility or a reproductive specialist can help address fertility issues effectively.

Addressing Low Sperm Count

Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

• Achieve a healthy BMI, limit alcohol, quit smoking.

• Manage stress to help sperm formation.

Medical Therapy

• Hormonal treatments (e.g., clomiphene citrate, aromatase inhibitors) can regulate testosterone levels.

• Targeted supplements or antioxidants to protect sperm from oxidative damage.

Surgical Intervention

• Varicocele Repair lowers scrotal temperature for sperm, potentially boosting sperm count and sperm motility.

• Correcting Obstructions (e.g., epididymal or vasal block) ensures sperm can be ejaculated.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques

If you’re still unable to get pregnant after a year of trying—particularly with severe sperm problems—assisted reproduction increases your chance of success:

Treatment method	Who benefits	What it involves
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)	Men with mildly to moderately reduced sperm counts or motility, or couples in which timing intercourse has not been successful.	Sperm are “washed” and concentrated, then placed directly into the uterus around ovulation to increase the likelihood of fertilization.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)	Couples with more significant male factor infertility or concomitant female factor issues.	Eggs are retrieved from the female partner, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and viable embryos are transferred into the uterus. IVF bypasses many challenges of the natural fertilization process.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)	Men with very low sperm counts, poor sperm motility, or significant sperm DNA fragmentation.	A single sperm is directly injected into each mature egg. ICSI drastically reduces the number of sperm needed, offering a viable path to pregnancy even in cases of severe male infertility.
Sperm Retrieval Techniques	Men with obstructive azoospermia or severely low sperm counts.	In men with no sperm in the ejaculate or severely low counts, sperm may be obtained from the epididymis or testicular tissue (e.g., microdissection TESE). These retrieved sperm can then be used in IVF/ICSI cycles.

Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey 

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to explore your options, schedule a fertility test, or discuss individualized treatment paths. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Male Fertility

How to improve male fertility?

Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and address conditions like varicoceles or hormone imbalances. Certain supplements (e.g., vitamins C, E, zinc) may help if oxidative stress or deficiencies are identified.

Do antidepressants affect male fertility?

Some antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can reduce libido and potentially alter sperm parameters. However, effects vary and may be temporary. If you’re concerned, speak with your doctor about medication adjustments or alternative treatment options.

Does caffeine affect male fertility?

Most research indicates that moderate caffeine intake from coffee, tea, or cocoa drinks does not significantly impair semen parameters. However, high consumption of cola and other soft drinks containing caffeine may negatively affect sperm volume, count, and concentration. In addition, some studies suggest a link between caffeine intake and certain types of sperm DNA damage, as well as a potential for prolonged time to conception in some men.

References

Agarwal, A., Mulgund, A., Hamada, A., & Chyatte, M. R. (2015). A unique view on male infertility around the globe. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0032-1

Agarwal, A., Baskaran, S., Parekh, N., Cho, C., Henkel, R., Vij, S., Arafa, M., Selvam, M. K. P., & Shah, R. (2020). Male infertility. The Lancet, 397(10271), 319–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32667-2

Ford, W. C., North, K., Taylor, H., Farrow, A., Hull, M. G., & Golding, J. (2000). Increasing paternal age is associated with delayed conception in a large population of fertile couples: evidence for declining fecundity in older men. Human Reproduction, 15(8), 1703–1708. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.8.1703

Kuchakulla, M., Soni, Y., Patel, P., Parekh, N., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male fertility supplements. Urology, 136, 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2019.11.007

Ricci, E., Viganò, P., Cipriani, S., Somigliana, E., Chiaffarino, F., Bulfoni, A., & Parazzini, F. (2017). Coffee and caffeine intake and male infertility: a systematic review. Nutrition Journal, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-017-0257-2