Medical Minute: Declining Male Fertility Rates

The number of couples seeking fertility treatment has increased over the past five years. Fertility rates aren’t just affecting women, men face this issue too. 

Saul Alvarez lost his daughter and her mother in a drunk driving incident and was diagnosed with cancer twice. While fighting cancer Alvarez got married and thought about having more children, but chemotherapy was causing issues.

‘My sperm count went from being healthy to being completely at zero. This was a big shock to me,” said Alvarez.

Saul's age also contributed to the issue. He was in his mid-50s. 

According to male infertility specialist Ranjith Ramasamy, a man's sperm begins to mutate after the age of 40. 

Dr. Ramasamy said, “The number of mutations in sperm continue to accumulate, that are more genetic changes that you know the body doesn’t correct anymore.”

Neuropsychiatric disorders are the most common conditions associated with advanced paternal age. There is also an increased risk in leukemia and lymphomas. 

A 2021 study found when a male in a couple was over 40, there were 20% to 40% more miscarriages. 

Dr. Ramasamy used medications used in women to boost egg counts to boost hormones in the pituitary glands and testosterone levels Saul. After a year of treatment it was found to be successful.