Fatherhood has some health benefits, according to a recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction. U.S. researchers found that childless men had a 17 percent higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and the risk also seemed to extend to men with only one child.
Using data from 137, 903 men aged 50 to 71, who had no prior cardiovascular disease, researchers were able to estimate the association between number of offspring and cardiovascular death, while taking into account socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics.
"There is solid evidence at this point that having low testosterone can increase the risk of all cause morality and heart disease deaths," said lead researcher Dr. Michael Eisenberg at Stanford University, since abnormal testosterone levels may cause HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels to drop. "So perhaps this impaired testicular function, which is [showing up] as infertility early in life, sets the stage for a higher risk of cardiovascular events later in life."
Researchers concluded that married men who have no children have a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease contracted after the age of 50, than men with two or more children.
Previous research suggests that marriage, having lots of friends and even having a dog can help decrease the risk of heart problems. Having kids may also give you a reason to be a healthy role model and take better care of yourself.
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