The male biological clock: Why more men are choosing to freeze their sperm

By Dr. Wael Saab, Fertility Consultant and Senior Medical Director at CRGH

For decades, the conversation around the “biological clock” has focused almost exclusively on women. However, recent scientific evidence, and growing media coverage in outlets like the Daily Mail, has made it clear that male fertility is not infinite.While men can technically father children well into their later years, the quality of sperm changes over time. At CRGH, we are seeing a significant rise in men choosing to freeze their sperm to safeguard their future families against age-related risks.

1. Is there an age limit on male fertility?

The truth: While there is no “menopause” for men, paternal age significantly impacts reproductive success.

• Conception rates: A single-center study was carried out at the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK found that men in their 50s are one-third less likely to conceive through IVF compared to younger men.
• DNA integrity: As men age, the risk of “DNA fragmentation” in sperm increases. Think of this as the genetic code becoming slightly frayed, which can lead to difficulties in fertilising an egg or maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

2. What are the risks of “old sperm”?

Recent headlines have highlighted the link between advanced paternal age and several serious health outcomes for both the mother and the child.

• Increased miscarriage risk: Damaged sperm DNA is a leading cause of recurrent miscarriage. If the genetic material provided by the sperm is compromised, the pregnancy is statistically less likely to reach full term.
• Autism and developmental conditions: Studies show a clear correlation between older fathers and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD in their children.
• Health risks for the child: There is also a documented link between advanced paternal age and a higher risk of certain childhood cancers, including leukaemia, as well as rare genetic disorders.

3. Why should I consider sperm freezing?

Sperm freezing isn’t just for those facing medical treatments like chemotherapy; it is increasingly a “lifestyle” choice for men who are not ready to start a family yet.

• Locking in quality: Freezing your sperm in your 20s or early 30s ensures you are using your most viable, healthy genetic material, regardless of when you decide to become a father.
• Medical necessity: If you are about to undergo surgery, hormone therapy, or cancer treatment that might impact your fertility, preservation is a vital first step.
• Peace of mind: For many, it is a simple way against the natural decline of sperm quality.
  If you are considering sperm freezing, speak with your doctor to understand how the process works and what to expect.

4. How does the sperm freezing process work at CRGH?

The process is fast, non-invasive, and highly effective.

1. Fertility assessment: A medical history is taken, and a semen analysis is carried out to assess sperm quality, along with STI and virology screening to check for infections. Once results are back a sample can then be frozen.
2. Abstinence period: We recommend two to five days of abstinence before providing your sample to ensure the highest volume and quality.
3. Freezing: Your sample is frozen using a specialised protective medium and stored in high-security tanks.
4. Long term storage: Under current UK law, you can store your sperm for up to 55 years, providing you renew your consent every decade.

Is frozen sperm as effective as fresh sperm?

Yes. While not every individual sperm cell survives the thawing process, the ones that do are just as capable of creating a healthy baby as fresh sperm. When used in treatments like IVF or ICSI (where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg), success rates remain very high.