The short explanation
Yes, though less sharply than a woman's age. As men get older, semen volume, sperm movement and sperm DNA quality tend to decline gradually. Studies link older paternal age with a longer time to conceive and a slightly higher risk of miscarriage and some rare conditions in children. Many men in their 40s and older still father children. A semen analysis is a simple first step to see how things look.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Other factors also matter, such as smoking, alcohol, weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, medicines and heat exposure.
- A woman's age still has a bigger effect on the couple's chances, so both ages are considered together.
- If you are trying, both partners should be assessed together, especially if one of you is over 35.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell whether your husband's age is affecting your chances. A semen analysis and history are needed.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Should my husband have a semen test now?
- Does his age change the risks in pregnancy?
- Are there lifestyle changes that would help?
- Given both our ages, how soon should we consider treatment?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Book an appointment soon
- He should see a doctor within a few days if he has testicular pain, swelling or a lump.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine visit for both partners.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Infertility NHS
- Infertility MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Infertility World Health Organization
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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