Studies have suggested late fatherhood has links to increased risk of miscarriages. According to a 2006 study published in ScienceDaily, “increasing paternal age is significantly associated with increased rates of spontaneous abortion, a pregnancy loss occurring before 20 weeks of gestation.”
Dr Kranthi Shilpa, consultant gynecologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills Hyderabad, said several factors surrounding aging contribute to this increased risk.
Genetic mutations: As men age, there is an increased likelihood of genetic mutations in their sperm. These mutations can lead to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
DNA fragmentation: Aging can lead to increased DNA fragmentation in sperm, which can compromise the genetic integrity of the embryo and, in turn, increase the risk of miscarriage.
“Current research has proven that advanced paternal age beyond 40 years is significantly associated with increased risk of spontaneous miscarriages, even after adjusting for maternal age,” said Dr Swati Rai, senior consultant and laparoscopic surgeon, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Aaradhya Neuro and Gynae Clinic.
She also said, “According to a study, fathers aged between 40-44 years had 23 per cent risk of spontaneous miscarriages and beyond 45 years, the risk increased by 43 per cent.”
Dr Rai highlighted that advanced paternal age is not only associated with recurrent pregnancy loss but also with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and using recreational drugs can have detrimental effects on sperm quality. (Source: Freepik)
So, what’s the solution?
Dietary and lifestyle changes may not completely eliminate the increased risk associated with advancing paternal age according to Dr Shilpa, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help optimise sperm quality and reduce the risk to some extent. She recommends maintaining a healthy weight since obesity has been associated with decreased sperm quality and increased DNA damage in sperm.
“Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients that support sperm health. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, may help reduce DNA damage in sperm,” she told indianexpress.com.
What to avoid
Dr Shilpa recommends limiting excessive alcohol consumption and high caffeine intake as they have been linked to decreased sperm quality and fertility issues.
“Smoking and using recreational drugs can have detrimental effects on sperm quality and increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in sperm, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage,” she said.
She also said chronic stress can negatively impact reproductive health. Thus, finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, may help improve sperm health.
It’s essential to remember that age-related factors cannot be completely eliminated, Dr Shilpa remarks. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalised recommendations based on individual circumstances.
