When you’re trying to conceive, you may think mostly about the pregnant person’s health, but preconception health for both partners matters. Male factors are a contributing cause in a large percentage of couples experiencing infertility.
This article explores the effects of alcohol consumption on sperm health and male fertility. Does alcohol affect sperm when trying to get pregnant? The short answer is: yes, it can.
Alcohol has the potential to negatively affect sperm quality and semen volume and disrupt reproductive hormone levels. It’s important to understand these risks and make informed choices when you’re trying to conceive.
Does Alcohol Affect Sperm Health and Quality?
Yes, alcohol consumption, especially when it’s heavy or a daily habit, can negatively affect sperm quality and sperm count. What does the science say?
A 2017 meta-analysis of 17 different studies found that drinking alcohol every day was associated with problems in semen volume and sperm shape.
A more recent meta-analysis, from 2023, looked at 40 different studies and found that alcohol consumption, particularly more than 7 units per week, was associated with reduced semen volume as well as lower levels of antioxidants and reproductive hormones.
However, some research suggests that having a drink now and then or drinking in moderation may not have major negative effects on sperm.
How Alcohol Affects Sperm Development
Alcohol can disrupt the body’s hormone balance and decrease the production of testosterone, both of which are crucial for the body to make sperm.
Alcohol may also lead to sexual dysfunction, which can make it harder to conceive.
Keep in mind that heavy drinking is generally defined as consuming 2 to 4 standard drinks each day or 14 to 28 drinks per week.
How long after quitting drinking will sperm improve?
Sperm development takes time. From start to finish, it takes about 2-3 months for sperm to mature. That means any changes you make to your drinking habits will take weeks or months to show up in improved sperm quality.
Cutting back or quitting alcohol gives your body a chance to produce healthier sperm over time. But remember, alcohol is only one factor affecting sperm health. Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices all play a role. So, while reducing your alcohol intake is a great step, it’s just one piece of the puzzle when you’re trying to conceive.
What are the current alcohol guidelines?
For men, current guidelines recommend no more than 10 “standard” drinks per week, with no more than 4 standard drinks on any given day. Just so we’re clear, a “standard drink” varies a bit by country, but it’s roughly equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.
Interestingly, Australia’s 2020 drinking guidelines recommend that women trying to conceive drink no alcohol at all.
Keep in mind these are general guidelines and your personal circumstances might warrant an even more conservative approach.
What Reduces Male Fertility?
It’s important to remember that many issues can affect male fertility, not just alcohol consumption. Problems with sperm production, hormone imbalances, and issues with the testicles can all play a role. Sometimes, there’s a blockage that prevents sperm from being released.
Other factors can also impact sperm health, including: quitting smoking, and other lifestyle changes.
- Weight
- Smoking
- Age
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Certain medical conditions
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s crucial to take a holistic approach and consider all aspects of your lifestyle. Talk to your doctor to identify and address any underlying health issues that might be affecting your fertility. Making positive changes to your overall health can improve your chances of conceiving.
Tips for Cutting Back on Alcohol
If you’re trying to conceive, reducing or eliminating alcohol is a smart move for both partners. Here are some tips:
- Find Alternatives: Explore non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits. Mocktails can be surprisingly delicious!
- Remove Temptation: Clear your home of alcoholic beverages.
- Designate a Driver (or Stay Sober Together): Offer to be the designated driver at social events.
- Seek Out Sober Fun: Discover activities that don’t revolve around alcohol.
- Address Your Triggers: What situations or emotions make you want to drink? Find healthier coping mechanisms.
- Value Alcohol-Free Time: Recognize the benefits of being clear-headed and healthy.
If you struggle to reduce your alcohol consumption, consider seeking professional help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to prioritize your health and your future family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can alcohol prevent you from getting pregnant?
While moderate alcohol consumption by the female partner may not directly prevent pregnancy, heavy drinking can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles, making conception more difficult. Additionally, alcohol can affect sperm quality in men, which also influences the chances of pregnancy.
How long after quitting drinking will sperm improve?
Sperm production takes around 74 days. So, after quitting drinking, it typically takes about three months to see significant improvements in sperm health. Abstaining from alcohol during this period gives the body time to generate healthier sperm.
How long does it take for sperm to reach the egg?
Sperm can reach the egg in as little as 45 minutes, but it can also take up to 12 hours or longer. Once ejaculated, sperm must travel through the female reproductive tract to reach the egg in the fallopian tube.
Is it bad to drink alcohol when trying to conceive?
Yes, it’s generally best to avoid alcohol when trying to conceive. For women, alcohol can affect ovulation and increase the risk of miscarriage. For men, it can negatively impact sperm quality, reducing the chances of successful fertilization.
What should I avoid when trying to conceive?
When trying to conceive, both partners should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and recreational drugs. Women should also limit caffeine intake and avoid certain medications that can interfere with fertility. Maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress are also important for both partners.
Closing Thoughts
Alcohol can have a negative impact on sperm health and male fertility.
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to cut back on alcohol or eliminate it from your diet.
Men should also think about other lifestyle factors that can impact fertility and seek professional guidance as needed. Cutting back on alcohol is a great first step.
Beyond the possible impact on your fertility, reducing alcohol consumption can also improve your mood, energy levels, sleep quality, waistline, and financial health. It’s a win-win.