A biological clock is the mechanism that controls the physiological processes of a live organism, according to the technical definition. When someone says your biological clock is ticking, they usually mean individuals are getting too old to reproduce. This comment is usually directed at women because it is generally known that the older a woman becomes, the more difficult it is to have a healthy pregnancy. They need to be in good health and in the prime of their biological clock to have a successful and healthy pregnancy. However, with technological innovation and a better understanding of the human reproductive systems, researchers and doctors have established that even men have a biological clock. Even though a man produces fresh sperm every day, the amount and quality of viable sperm continue to drop as he ages, affecting his fertility.
Men require fertility testing too
New studies have found that male fertility begins to decline in the same age range as female fertility, between 35 and 45. Because of their ability to produce new sperm on a daily basis, men have been largely removed from the “ticking biological clock” debate. However, as men age, the male reproductive organs involved in sperm production grow slower and less efficient, resulting in decreasing sperm count as well as genetic defects.
Dr. Shilpa Ellur, is a Senior Consultant – Reproductive Medicine at Milann Fertility Hospital in Bangalore’s Whitefield shares, “When natural attempts at conception fail, men are far less likely to consult a physician. But according to current necessities, a man must also be tested. Testing is the only method to find out if a man’s sperm health is declining with age or if his biological clock is running out. It is similar to the fertility tests that women undertake to determine the quantity and caliber of eggs they produce. Therefore, both partners must get their tests done to find out the exact reason behind the misconception.”
