Men’s Fertility Under the Microscope
For ages, the phrase “biological clock” has been primarily focused on women. A new study published in the journal Science Advances in 2025 shakes up this well-established belief; it highlights that men also have biological limits to fertility and genetics.
DNA Stability in Women vs. Age-Linked Mutations in Men
The scientists determined that, in the same way that a woman’s supply of eggs gets smaller as she matures, the woman’s DNA remains relatively stable. Men’s sperm, however, continually divides throughout existence while aging; and with each division, the risk of mistakes in the DNA increases. As men age, the mutations in their sperm increase, which can elevate the risk of passing on particular ailments to children
Redefining the “Biological Clock”
This initial study changes the way we think about reproductive aging. It argues that men’s age should be similarly considered as women’s age in reproductive planning. As stated by the researchers, “the biological clock ticks for everyone – just in different ways.”
A Call for Gender-Neutral Conversations on Reproductive Health
In light of this study, we can consider paternal age and health more closely. While men do not carry the cultural burden of their age and reproduction, it is worth noting that they should be aware that along with their partner, they are also bequeathing genetic and environmental health to the next generation. It is time to stop making age in reproduction a gendered experience, and begin a neutral conversation regarding both mother and father’s potential contribution to next generations’ genetic health.
