For decades, people debated about the potential adverse effects of alcohol and whether it had an impact on fertility. Modern couples realize the detriment of moderate alcohol abuse and alcoholism on fertility for both women and men. Alcohol causes problems with fertility, conception, pregnancy and fetal growth and development.
Talk About Alcohol
Couples trying to conceive should talk to a physician about their alcohol habits and consumption. A doctor will tell you how much is too much when it comes to fertility. For example, one mixed drink or glass of wine or beer contains a half ounce of alcohol. Sipping eight or more drinks per day is considered alcoholism with moderate abusers of alcohol imbibing on up to four or six drinks. A physician knows how to help people handle alcohol problems prior to conception. Alcohol problems should be addressed before pregnancy to avoid doing damage to the unborn fetus.
Women, Alcohol and Babies
Alcohol has an adverse impact on a woman’s reproductive system in many ways. It increases infertility as well as the risk of having a spontaneous abortion once a women does conceive. Alcohol consumption also may impact the growth and development of a fetus and could cause a miscarriage. Drinking can also mean the baby will be prematurely born or stillborn. Excessive alcohol consumption is also associated with issues related to fertility including:
- lack of ovulation, formally referred to as anovulation;
- ovulatory dysfunctions;
- the abonormal development of the essential endometrial lining, formally called luteal phase defect;
- the absence of menstrual cycles, referred to as amenorrhea; and
- hormonal imbalances such as hyperprolactinemia.
Babies born of a mother who abuses alcohol also risk having fetal alcohol syndrome with potential problems such as behavioral issues, mental retardation, brain problems and congenital heart defects. Drinking alcohol during conception and pregnancy should be completely avoided.
Men, Alcohol and Fertility
Men are the other half of potential fertility problems. Men who drink alcohol may be subject to physical issues that have a negative impact on fertility including:
- as a toxin, excessive alcohol consumption can kill off cells that generate sperm;
- improper live functionality can cause a rise in estrogen, which could cause issues with hormone levels and developing sperm.
Men who consume alcohol and have trouble with fertility, should abstain from drinking for about four months before a semen analysis. This gives the body time to develop sperm without the impact of alcohol.
Couples trying to conceive a healthy child should abstain from alcohol to boost fertility and ensure a healthy developing fetus.
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not doctors.
