Male biological clock ticks too

Scientists say they have found more evidence that men as well as women have biological clocks and that they start to tick in their mid-30s.

A French study of over 12,200 couples having fertility treatment suggests the chance of a successful pregnancy falls when the man is aged over 35. It adds that the chance is significantly lower if he is over 40. Previous studies have shown that both natural and assisted conception is more difficult if the man is over 40. The researchers told a European reproductive health conference that it was likely the problems were caused by DNA damage in sperm. Miscarriage risk The researchers studied couples who had sought treatment for infertility at the Eylau Centre for Assisted Reproduction in Paris between January 2002 and December 2006. All were given intrauterine inseminations (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, where sperm is inserted into the womb when the woman is ovulating. It is given to couples where the woman has no fertility problems and is less invasive than IVF. The men's sperm were examined for quantity, their ability to move and swim and their size and shape. Rates of pregnancy, miscarriage and births were recorded.

Source: BBC News Website