Embryologist: Freezing Sperm Young Allows Fatherhood at Any Age
An embryologist at the Latvian fertility clinic Klīnika EGV says male fertility depends on lifestyle, health and working conditions, not age alone. She recommends freezing good-quality sperm between the ages of 18 and 45.
A man's ability to become a father declines over the years, but age is not the only factor. This is according to Svetlana Koteloviča, an embryologist at the Latvian clinic Klīnika EGV, whose comments were published in a Latvian outlet in connection with a men's health campaign running in November. Her advice is to think about children early, because conceiving gets harder the longer it is postponed.
Infertility is widespread
According to the World Health Organization, one in six couples struggles with infertility. In about half of cases the problem may lie with the man. At the clinic, those seeking help are most often men over 30 who have already completed their education, hold stable jobs and feel ready for a family.
Freezing as an option
Sperm can be frozen at practically any age, provided the material is of good quality, but the embryologist recommends doing it between 18 and 45. She says a man who freezes quality sperm in good time can become a father at any age. The sample can be produced at the clinic or at home and delivered to the clinic. A semen analysis and further tests are needed if a couple has been unable to conceive after at least three months of intercourse two to three times a week.
What affects sperm quality
Koteloviča notes that quality does not always depend on age: sometimes younger men have poorer material than older ones. Genetics determine 30–50% of a man's ability to have a child, while lifestyle, environment and habits shape the rest. It is advisable to cut sugar, give up alcohol and smoking, including e-cigarettes, and avoid overheating in saunas and tight underwear. Spermatogenesis renews every three months, so a repeat test can be done after that period.
Medication and work that is harmful to health can also affect sperm quality, for example in chemical plants, agriculture involving agrochemicals, long-distance driving, radiology or professional cycling. In addition, an older father is more likely to pass genetic conditions to a child, as mutations accumulate in the body over time.
In November, the Health Centres Association, Central Laboratory and Mēness Pharmacy are running the social campaign #PārbaudītsVīrietis, urging men to have regular preventive health checks.
