Are You Considering Advanced Paternity?

Posted on February 13, 2023 by root

Discussions around advanced paternal age generally refer to men over age 40. However, this number is not established in medical science. If you are an older man seeking to father a child, considering both the positives and negatives of your decision is important.

There are some potential risks to a child’s health when the father is over the age of 40. Adverse events in pregnancy have been revealed in studies. These events may negatively impact the child’s physical or mental development and health.

Birth Defects

Also known as congenital defects, birth defects occur during pregnancy. A child may suffer from rare defects that impact development. The limbs, skull, heart and other organs may not form correctly if the father is over 40. Some research also suggests that there is an increased risk of the mother losing her baby to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Health issues are not exclusive to physical development in cases of advanced paternity. Psychological disorders such as Schizophrenia may also develop. However, it is worth noting that many of these studies are inconclusive. Studies into the impacts of advanced paternal age are also an emerging area in fertility research.

Speak to Your Doctor

Before settling on fathering a child, speak to your doctor. A physical examination can help you determine your current level of health. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, diet, weight and how much exercise you get can impact your sperm quality.

You can also seek semen analysis to check your sperm count. This will allow you to decide whether you want to pursue suitable fertility treatments. It is also good to know whether you are producing quality sperm before agreeing to father a child.

When you are discussing your fertility, ensure that you disclose any medications you are taking. Some drugs have an adverse impact on sperm quality. You may also suffer from erectile dysfunction or the inability to come to climax due to side effects.

A consultation with Justin Houman MD will provide all the answers you need. Call our Los Angeles offices today to book an appointment at our Men’s Health clinic.