New research is changing the way we understand ageing and fertility. For years, many people believed that a woman’s age was the biggest factor affecting fertility. But new scientific findings now show that men experience a faster decline in fertility than women. The main reason: sperm quality reduces sharply with age, while women’s eggs stay genetically stable for much longer.
According to recent studies mentioned in Daijiworld, men face a steady drop in sperm quality as they grow older. As age increases, sperm become less active, carry more genetic errors and may increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Scientists say that sperm collect small DNA mistakes over the years because they are produced continuously throughout a man’s life. Each new cycle of sperm formation creates a chance for tiny errors, and these add up over time.
Women’s eggs, however, follow a different pattern. A Live Science report highlights that human eggs have natural protection against some forms of ageing. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Since these eggs do not go through constant division like sperm, they remain genetically stable for a longer period. Although the number of eggs decreases with age, their genetic strength does not decline as quickly.
Dr Dhanyatha G S, Consultant in Infertility and Reproductive Medicine at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, explains that women’s eggs remain healthy for many years because of strong mitochondria and hormonal support. She adds that when women face fertility issues as they age, it is usually due to a lower egg count, not weaker egg quality.
Overall, these studies make one point clear: male fertility reduces mainly because sperm quality gets worse with age, while women’s egg quality stays steady for much longer. This offers a clearer and more balanced understanding of fertility for both men and women.
Experts say lifestyle choices also play a major role in fertility. Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol use and untreated health problems can affect reproductive health in both sexes. Doctors advise regular check-ups, a healthy diet and maintaining proper weight to support fertility at any age.
