Will men's old age childbearing cause an increase in genetic diseases?
With the continuous progress of technology and medical treatment, more and more men choose to give birth at an advanced age. However, some studies have shown that older men may increase the risk of genetic diseases. This article will elaborate on this issue from the perspective of genetics, child health, sperm quality and genetic mutation frequency.
1. Genetics
The relationship between male elderly childbearing and genetic diseases can be explained from the perspective of genetics. With the increase of age, the quality and quantity of male sperm will decline, which will lead to the variation and mutation of genetic material. These mutations may increase the risk of children suffering from some genetic diseases, such as autism and mental illness. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that compared with fathers under 20 years old, the risk of autism of children born to fathers over 45 years old increased nearly four times.
However, some studies hold different views on this. Another study published in the Journal of Patriarchy believes that there is no obvious correlation between male elderly childbearing and most genetic diseases, and this study points out that if some diseases are indeed related to male elderly childbearing, then compared with female elderly childbearing, the influence of men is much smaller.
2. Children's health
Male elderly childbearing will also have a certain impact on the overall health of children. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that compared with young fathers, children born to fathers over 45 are more likely to suffer from a series of physical and mental health problems, such as premature delivery, low weight and mental illness. In addition, the elderly male fertility is also related to the decline of children's intellectual development and learning ability.
However, it should be noted that these findings do not apply to every elderly father. Everyone's genetic background and environmental factors will have an impact on the health of children, so we can not simply blame all the problems on the elderly male fertility.
3. Sperm quality
The sperm quality of men will decline with the increase of age, which is a potential problem caused by the aging of men. Sperm quality includes the number, shape and vitality of sperm, which are closely related to the health of children. The study found that men over 40 are more likely to have sperm abnormalities than men under 20, which may affect their children's health.
The study of a specific hospital showed that the hospital observed 200 men over 40 years old, and found that 50% of them had poor sperm quality. However, it should be noted that this is a case study and does not represent the entire male group. In addition, some men may still maintain good sperm quality in advanced age, which also reduces the impact of sperm quality decline on the risk of genetic diseases.
4. Genetic mutation frequency
The elderly male fertility will also lead to an increase in the frequency of genetic mutations. The study found that the frequency of male genetic mutations will gradually increase with age. These genetic mutations may increase the risk of children suffering from some genetic diseases. For example, a study from Lehman Research Institute found that the risk of autism of children born to fathers over 90 years old was eight times higher than that of fathers under 20 years old.
However, it should be noted that genetic mutation is not only caused by the aging of men. Older women also increase the risk of children suffering from genetic diseases, and female germ cells (eggs) play a more important role in the process of embryonic development.
Summary
Men who give birth at an advanced age may increase the risk of children suffering from genetic diseases. From the perspective of genetics, there has been some scientific support for the association between male elderly fertility and genetic diseases, especially autism and other diseases. In addition, the overall health and intellectual development of children may be affected by the aging of male births. However, not every elderly father will bring an increased risk of genetic diseases, because genetic diseases are affected by many factors. Finally, whether male or female, the elderly childbearing may increase the risk of genetic diseases, so the impact of age on fertility should be paid enough attention.
