Sperm and Ovum Quality Based on Age
Many say that the quality of the ovum (female egg cell) is influenced by age. Because the older a woman’s age, the more the quality of her ovum decreases. Meanwhile, a man’s sperm quality will be maintained at any age. But is it true? Check out the explanation about the quality of sperm and ovum based on the following age, let’s!
~ Sperm Quality Based on Age
Sperm quality can be measured using a sperm analysis test, the spermiogram test. In carrying out the test, there are three parameters used to measure sperm quality. Among other things, the number, speed, and shape of sperm. As long as a man has excellent physical and sexual health, test results will not show any difference in the quality of a man’s age. But in general, the best sperm quality can be obtained by men at the age of 25-40 years.
Unfortunately, there are several conditions that can affect sperm quality.
These include genetic, psychological factors (such as stress and depression), the environment (such as contaminated water), abnormalities of the reproductive organs, lifestyle (such as smoking, alcoholism, and drug abuse), and age. A study from the University of Otago, New Zealand even states that sperm quality may decline with age. In addition to reducing sperm volume, increasing age can also reduce the speed of sperm to the egg to fertilize (ovulate).
So, how is the quality of sperm based on age?
In their 20s and 30s
At this age, most of the tubules in the testes contain mature sperm which will be produced every five days. That’s why most men need to have sex every five days. When ejaculation, men generally produce 50 million sperm. Decreased sperm quality can occur with age, because in their 30s, the hormone testosterone continues to decline. This condition of decreased sperm quality is often associated with the cause of babies born with Down syndrome.
In their 40s and 50s
As we get older, the number of mature sperm produced also begins to decrease. Even above the age of 50 years, hormonal changes in men can affect physical appearance (usually fatter), cognitive function, to sexual arousal. That’s why men’s sexual arousal in their 40s and 50s tends to fluctuate.
~ Ovum Quality Based on Age
Just like sperm, ovum quality is also influenced by many factors. These include age, previous history of ovarian surgery, and problems with the ovary (such as ovarian tumor). If the best sperm quality is in the age range of 25-40 years, then, the best quality of ovum is at the age of 24 years.
So, how is the quality of ovum based on age?
20s
According to experts, the age of 20 is the right time to get pregnant. This is because at the age of 20, women are at the peak of fertility. Egg quality is still very good, and the risk of complications during pregnancy (such as hypertension or diabetes) is also still low.
30s
Compared to the age of 20, the chance of pregnancy at this age tends to be smaller, even though a woman still has a chance to get pregnant. The risk of pregnancy also tends to be greater than when you are in your 20s. That is why at this age, a woman is encouraged to go more regularly to see a doctor to ensure the health condition and quality of the ovum.
40s
The number and quality of the ova produced is reduced, so that the potential for pregnancy is also lower than when in their 20s and 30s. The risk of pregnancy also tends to be higher at this age, such as miscarriages, low birth weight babies (LBW), to Down syndrome.
That is a fact about sperm and ovum quality that needs to be known.
Dr sanjay kumar