Fact - Research says men also have ‘biological clocks’ and just like in women, if men let this clock tick for too long they can put their partner’s and the offspring’s health at risk.

Let us explore more on the ‘Biological Clock in Men’

Most of us are aware of the concept of ‘Biological clock in Women’. When a woman or a couple decides to delay pregnancy beyond the age of 35 there are many health risks involved such as complicated pregnancy (serious health problems during pregnancy) and risk to the child at the time of birth or later (children may be born with various congenital health problems or may develop serious medical conditions later).

For a very long time men were not included in the ‘Biological Clock’ radar. However, over the past decade, several studies have been mounting indicating that men can no longer escape the ticking clock. A man's alarm may start to ring not too long after the woman's. While for women the age is around 35 and above for men the clock chimes its final warning toll -- around age 40.

Studies strongly state that the age of the father may affect the health of the partner and the offspring in more ways than one as discussed below.

Potential health risks to the partner:

  • Failed pregnancy - For men past 45 it gets harder to get their partners pregnant.
  • Problems during pregnancy and childbirth - when pregnancy is successful, the older male sperm puts the pregnant woman at higher risks of life threatening conditions such as  gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and premature delivery.

Potential health risks to the child:

  • Children born to older fathers are at higher risk of:
  • Newborn seizures
  • Low birth weight 
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Birth defects
  • Childhood cancers 
  • Neurocognitive disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Take Home Message: A pregnancy without any complications and birthing a healthy child is a shouldered responsibility of man and woman. It is time we break-free of the perpetuated idea that the topics of fertility, pregnancy and childbirth are just women's issues, and the male involvement is confined to contribution of sperm. Men and women alike need to be more aware and recognize and respond to their clicking biological clock.

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.