Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Arun Kumar | 24 June 2025
When it comes to fertility, most people think about a woman's biological clock. But did you know that men also experience changes in fertility as they age? It's true. While men don't have menopause like women do, sperm quality and count can change with time.
In this article, we'll explore how sperm count shifts across the decades, what affects those changes, and what men can do to stay healthy and fertile. And yes — we've included a simple, easy-to-understand male sperm count by age chart to help break it all down.
Before we dive into numbers, let's make sure we're all on the same page.
Sperm count refers to the number of sperm cells in a man's semen (also called ejaculate). It's one of the key factors that doctors consider when evaluating male fertility.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that a normal sperm count is at least:
But sperm count is just one part of the picture. Doctors also check:
Yes — and more than most people think. As men age, their sperm count, motility, and DNA quality can all start to decline. This doesn't mean older men can't father children — many do! But chances of conception may take longer, and there can be slightly higher risks for specific health issues in the baby.
Here's a simplified look at average sperm count trends by age. Keep in mind that these are general averages — individual results can vary based on health, lifestyle, and genetics.
| Age Range | Average Sperm Count (million/mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20–29 | 80–100 | Peak fertility years, high motility and good morphology |
| 30–39 | 70–90 | Slight drop in count and motility begins |
| 40–49 | 60–70 | More noticeable decline in count, motility, and DNA quality |
| 50–59 | 40–60 | Sperm quality continues to drop, higher risk of mutations |
| 60+ | 20–40 | Lower volume and slower sperm, conception may take longer |
🧠 Remember: Even with lower sperm count, men can still father children naturally — it just may take longer or need some help from doctors.
Several changes happen in the male body as the years go by. These include:
Testosterone, the hormone responsible for sperm production, naturally drops after age 30. Lower testosterone means lower sperm production.
With age, the body builds up more oxidative stress — tiny chemical imbalances that can damage sperm DNA and reduce quality.
The organs that help make semen — like the testicles and prostate — may not function as efficiently with age.
Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure can all negatively impact sperm count.
Imagine the testicles as a busy factory. In your 20s, the factory is well-staffed, efficient, and running smoothly. By the 1940s and 1950s, some machines wore out, the staff were slower, and productivity declined. That's what ageing does to sperm production!
While sperm count is essential, sperm quality is just as critical. Here's how ageing can impact different sperm parameters:
| Factor | Impact of Aging |
|---|---|
| Motility | Sperm swim more slowly |
| Morphology | More sperm have abnormal shapes |
| DNA Integrity | More likely to have damaged DNA |
| Volume | Semen volume decreases |
Poor sperm quality can lead to:
Doctors use the following categories:
If a man has a low sperm count but good motility and morphology, he may still be fertile. It's not just about the number — it's about how healthy and active those sperm are.
Most men don't have obvious symptoms. But some possible signs include:
Here's the good news: Even though age affects sperm count, lifestyle changes can make a big difference. You can think of it like tuning up your engine — it might be older, but you can still get excellent performance with proper care.
If a couple is trying to conceive for more than 12 months (or 6 months if the woman is over 35), it's time to see a fertility specialist. Men should also get checked if they:
A semen analysis is a simple test that measures:
It's done by collecting a semen sample at a lab or clinic. Most clinics ask for 2–3 days of abstinence beforehand for the most accurate results.
If sperm count is low or sperm quality has declined, don't worry — fertility doctors have many tools to help.
Common Treatments:
Sometimes, even just improving your lifestyle for a short period can yield better results.
1. At what age does male fertility start to decline?
Most studies show that sperm quality begins to drop after age 35–40, with more noticeable changes in the 40s and 50s.
2. Can a man father a child at 60 or 70?
Yes, it's biologically possible. Many men have become fathers well into their 60s and beyond. However, the time to conceive may be longer, and there may be slightly higher risks for the baby.
3. Can sperm count be increased naturally?
Yes! A healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and maintaining good sleep habits can all help improve sperm count and quality.
Final Thoughts: Age Isn't Everything
While sperm count and quality may decline with age, many men stay fertile well into their later years. What's more important is overall health and well-being rather than lifestyle. By making wise choices — eating well, staying active, and avoiding harmful habits — men can protect their fertility and improve their chances of becoming fathers when the time is right.
