Ticking Away: The Male Version Of The Biological Clock And How It Affects Fertility and Pregnancy

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Most of us know of, heard of, or have experienced the tick-tock of our biological clock. From the race to find a mate to the race to procreate women have traditionally be known to be prone to the “effects” of time. Men however, have not been noted as being “affected”. In fact the standard understanding was that men rarely if ever had a set time limit for settling down and starting a family.

And, that was just one of the reason men and women were NOT alike. But, according to new research, we may be more alike (mentally and “sexually”) than previously thought.

In fact, according to statistics men also need to be aware of the changes in their bodies as they mature, especially with age-related problems in sperm.

Studies show that the quality of sperm deteriorates with age often making it more difficult for “older” men to father offspring or increasing the potential for a genetic birth defect.

While experts define this “revelation” as a man’s biological time clock, they go on to note that it differs from the woman’s time clock in that it is gradual change in fertility rather than an abrupt one.

Also, while more “mature” moms-to-be have a greater risk of birthing a Down syndrome child, older men seem to produce more children with dwarfism or some other chromosomal defect.

While professionals don’t know the exact cause of why sperm quality declines with age, they attribute it to the physiological changes in the body or to exposure to detrimental factors in the environment or to disease, causing the sperm to lose its ability to travel in a straight line and effectively impregnate their partner’s egg.

Long Island Family Life & Parenting Articles > Ticking Away: The Male Version Of The Biological Clock And How It Affects Fertility and Pregnancy