THE EFFECT OF AGE ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION

When couples elect to defer child bearing, the effects of age on repro ductive potential must be considered. The impact of advancing age on f emale reproductive potential has been well documented. Relatively less attention, however, has been directed toward the effect of age on mal e reproductive function. Although less pronounced than its effect on f emale fertility, advancing age does have an impact on male reproductio n. Among men, increasing age is associated with a decrease in sexual f unction as well as changes in testicular histology and a decline in ba sic fertility parameters. Additionally, there is an identifiable assoc iation between advanced paternal age and subsequent birth defects. The se issues should be borne in mind when men are counseled regarding the age at which they elect to establish families.