Do older men find it harder to conceive? Or is it just about our age?

[JaneB1rkin]

I'm 38 but dp is considerably older. We're ttc at the moment in a vague sort of way, nothing hopelessly organised about it so far but I'm a bit worried it could take longer, or even not happen, due to his age. (and mine of course!)

I've already had two babies and they were conceived basically the first time any sex was had during the right time of the month. So I've not anticipated any problems having a third, however, I'd be interested to know if other people found that the age of the father affected the time it took, possibility of it in general etc.

He hasn't had any children btw.

Thankyou

Male fertility does decline with age. A man in his 40s is considerably less fertile than a man in his 20s. However, men don't have the sudden drop to zero of fertility which is why older men can still father children, although it may take you longer to get pregnant. How old is he? If he's mid 40s then it's probably not a big deal. If he's 60 then it might be much more of an issue.

I would suggest if you are ttc with your age and his age, that you should be properly organized about it to maximise your chances. Perhaps he should have a semen analysis done to see how the troops are faring?

My DP is in his 50's. I'm in my 30's. We have conceived 2 children without too much trouble. First DD (now 2) was conceived in 1st month. Second DD (currently 23 weeks preg) was conceived after about 10 months, but think that was more down to work schedules.
Good luck. My DP is a fantastic hands on Dad and has so much time and energy for our beautiful daughter.

Thankyou both very much. Kat, he's in his 50s, so I do worry. Also he smokes. I didn't realise you could get any sort of analysis done - can you just ask the GP to do it? The thing is, we haven't been trying very long and frankly I don't even know if there's a problem - I chart and we've missed the boat a bit due to a couple of awkward cycles.

So if we needed to wait till we've been trying for a year or two, that's less time for getting on with things isn't it. We don't really have the time to wait and see, is what I'm trying to say I suppose. But we'll give it at least 6 months and see if anything happens.

Blue, that's wonderful to hear and I'm really pleased that it can be done. I guess if we try our best to time it right (scary - never actually TTC properly before, left it more to luck!) then we'll maximise our chances.

I know a fair bit about when to do it in terms of the fertile window and am quite aware of my own body, but it led me a wild goose chase last month for some reason and I went back to a 23 day cycle which I hope doesn't mean I'm deficient in something...think LP is normal though, so progesterone shd be ok. I'm just weird

Thanks again...we have not been together for very long, but we both definitely want to have a child so I guess we'll just have to go for it, instead of the usual 'well maybe in a few years'.

dh was 49 when we conceived dd.
i was 34.
it took 3 months.

i don't think the man's age is that much of an issue.

Fantastic...thankyou Nickel. I was just about to reply to the other thread about her latching onto thin air that is so sweet.

You have made me extra broody now!

I'm working on a research degree in male (in)fertility right now!

Male fertility does decline slightly with age but it's not a sharp decline like in women. However it is significantly impaired through smoking, heavy drinking, obesity and poor diet! I would suggest trying to improve those aspects if you're having trouble conceiving...

Oh, thankyou. We're ok on most of those issues but the smoking may be a potential obstacle...he keeps saying he 'should probably pack it in' but I'm not entirely sure he can! Will mention to him that if he wants tiny feet pattering around he might be best to stop for a few months.