Endocrine Abstracts

Couples in developed countries are increasingly delaying child bearing to later in life. While it is well known that female reproductive functions decrease and genetic risks for the offspring increase beyond the age of 35 and seize completely around the age of 50, the influence of risks of paternal age on fertility and offspring are less well known. Indeed, until recently life long fertility was assumed for the male. However, testicular function slowly declines with age and fertility decreases significantly after age 40. Moreover, advancing paternal age is associated with increased rates of early abortion. Children of older fathers also have a higher risk of autosomal dominant genetic disorders such as archondroplasia, Apert syndrome and neurofibromatosis, as well as complex diseases such as schizophrenia, depressions and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although these risks remain small couples should not only be informed about maternal age-related changes in reproductive functions, but also about the paternal age-related decline in fertility and paternally-mediated risks for the offspring. These facts should also serve to encourage couples to procreate at a younger age.