Male Fertility Explained: 5 Myths That Could Affect Your Parenthood Plans

Table of Contents

• The Biological Clock and Male Infertility
• Common Myths About Male Infertility 
• When Should Men Consider a Fertility Check
• Final Thoughts

For decades, fertility conversations have largely focused on women. Age, eggs, hormones, and biological clocks are topics most people associate with female fertility. But here is an important truth that is often ignored: men have biological clocks too.

Male fertility does not remain constant forever. Sperm quality, hormone levels, and reproductive health change with age, lifestyle, and overall health. There are still a lot of myths regarding male fertility that produce confusion around when a man may need to see a physician about a potential fertility issue. Unfortunately, these myths contribute to men not seeking treatment as it leads to missed opportunities for optimal treatment.

In this blog, we will debunk common myths about male fertility to help men make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

The Biological Clock and Male Infertility

Men do not stop producing sperm as they age like women do; as a result, sperm production continues to change in quality over time. Sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity will decline as men become older. Many other elements influence male fertility, including but not limited to, lifestyle, medical status (chronic), stress levels, and environmental concerns.

Let’s take a closer look and see how we can debunk these myths about male infertility.

Common Myths About Male Infertility 

Myth 1: Men can father children at any age without a problem

Fact: Male fertility declines with age

Yes, men can continue to produce sperm throughout their lives, but age still plays an important role in male fertility. As men grow older, especially, after the age of 40, both the quality as well as efficiency of sperm start decline, which may affect the chances of natural conception.

Common age-related changes in male fertility include:

• Reduced sperm motility.

• Lower sperm count.

• Higher chances of DNA damage in sperm.

• Increased time to achieve pregnancy.

Advanced paternal age has also been associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and certain genetic or developmental conditions in children.

Dr. Neha Shriya, Fertility Specialist at Miracles Healthcare, Gurgaon, explains:

“Many men believe fertility is not affected by age, but clinically we see clear changes in sperm quality as men grow older. After 40, sperm DNA fragmentation increases, which can impact embryo development, implantation, and even pregnancy outcomes.”

She further adds “While fatherhood later in life is certainly possible, men should be aware that delayed planning may increase the need for fertility support. Early evaluation and timely guidance can significantly improve outcomes.”

Myth 2: Male fertility only depends on sperm count

Fact: Male fertility depends on the quality of sperm, not only on the quantity

Many men believe that having a "normal" number of sperm will ensure them the ability to conceive. But many other things decide whether a man’s sperm can fertilize an egg, including:

• Mobility of Sperm: The ability for them to move.

• Morphology: The size as well as shape of the sperm.

• Integrity of the Genetic Material in the Sperm: Whether it is in good condition.

Therefore, although a man may have a normal number of sperm, if his mobility or morphology is deficient, he will have problems conceiving. Therefore, the only way to accurately assess a male's fertility is to do a complete semen analysis.

Read More: Low Sperm Count & Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Ways to Boost Fertility

Myth 3: Lifestyle has little impact on male fertility

Fact: Lifestyle plays a major role in male reproductive health

Male fertility is highly sensitive to daily habits. Factors that can negatively affect sperm health include

• Smoking and tobacco use.

• Excessive alcohol consumption.

• Poor diet and obesity.

• Chronic stress and lack of sleep.

• Exposure to heat.

• Environmental toxins, and pollution.

The best part is that, simple lifestyle changes can improve sperm health over time.

Myth 4: If there is a fertility problem, it is often the woman

Fact: Male factors contribute to infertility in nearly 40–50% of cases.

Infertility is usually seen as a “female issue,” but medically speaking, that is far from accurate. Studies show that:

• About one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors.

• One-third are due to female factors.

• The remaining cases can involve both partners, or unexplained causes.

Delaying male evaluation can waste valuable time and increase emotional stress for couples. Fertility is a shared responsibility, and both partners should be evaluated early when conception doesn’t happen as expected.

Myth 5: If you have fathered a child before, You will always be fertile

Fact: Fertility can change over time.

Previous fatherhood does not guarantee current fertility. A man’s reproductive health can change due to:

• Age-related decline.

• Weight gain or obesity.

• Chronic illnesses like diabetes, and high BP.

• Hormonal imbalances.

• Infections or surgeries.

• Increased stress levels.

This condition, usually called secondary infertility, is more common than many realize. Men who were fertile in their 20s or 30s may face fertility challenges later in life.

When Should Men Consider a Fertility Check

Men should consider a fertility evaluation and explore male fertility treatment if:

• Pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of trying (or after 6 months if the female partner is over 35)

• There is a history of testicular injury, surgery, or infection.

• They are over the age of 40 and planning to become a father.

• There are lifestyle risk factors like smoking, obesity, poor diet, as well as chronic stress.

Early testing helps find out the issues sooner and helps doctors recommend the right male fertility treatment options, improving the chances of successful conception.

Final Thoughts

The idea that fertility is only a female's concern is outdated. Men have biological clocks too, and understanding male fertility myths is the first step toward informed, responsible parenthood.

By busting these myths, and getting early evaluation done, men can take charge of their reproductive health as well as support their partners on the fertility journey. If you are planning a family or facing difficulty conceiving, don’t delay. Consult a male fertility specialist near you and get a proper evaluation, and take proactive steps toward parenthood.

Miracles Healthcare is one of the best multispeciality hospitals in Gurgaon. We offer a  complete fertility care under one roof. Our team includes highly experienced fertility specialists, experienced embryologists and nursing staff. We use advanced tests and provide personalized treatments like IVF, IUI, ICSI, Egg Freezing etc. to help many couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

Explore our real-life success stories to understand how our specialists deliver care to  help families achieve their dreams.