How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Fertility in Men and Women?
Most people know that heavy drinking is bad for their health. When it comes to fertility, the effects of alcohol are more specific and more significant. This applies to both men and women. If you are trying to conceive or preparing for fertility treatment, understanding how alcohol interacts with your system is really important.
What Alcohol Does to Female Fertility?
Alcohol disrupts the balance that regulates the menstrual cycle. Even moderate drinking. A glass a week. Can interfere with oestrogen and progesterone levels. This can result in missed ovulation. When ovulation becomes unpredictable, finding the fertile window becomes harder. Conception naturally becomes less likely with each passing month.
Alcohol also reduces the number of quality eggs available over time. It can increase the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy when most women do not yet know they are pregnant.
For women seeking infertility treatment in Delhi, reducing or eliminating alcohol is usually one of the lifestyle recommendations made before any treatment cycle begins. It is one of the impactful changes a woman can make without any medical intervention. And it costs nothing.
What Alcohol Does to Male Fertility?
Men are equally affected. This is not talked about enough. Regular alcohol consumption lowers testosterone levels. Can significantly reduce sperm count. It also negatively impacts how well sperm swim and the shape and structure of sperm cells. All these factors matter a lot when it comes to fertilisation.
The good part is that sperm are dynamic. It regenerates every 72 days. This means that if a man reduces his alcohol intake consistently, his sperm parameters can improve within a month. For men undergoing infertility treatment in Delhi, this is a change that specialists actively track. It can directly improve treatment outcomes.
Is Occasional Drinking a Problem with Getting Pregnant?
This is a question many couples have. The honest answer is that there is no level of alcohol for couples trying to conceive. Having a drink at an event is unlikely to be the only reason a cycle fails. But drinking regularly on weekends or consuming alcohol during a stimulation phase or two-week wait is a story.
During IVF or IUI cycles, alcohol can affect how the body responds to fertility medications. It can also change hormone levels at times. This can create an environment that's not good for implantation. Most specialists say that when you are actively trying to conceive, stop drinking, come as close to it as you realistically can.
Small Changes, Results in Fertility:
Cutting out alcohol does not have to feel like a punishment. You can replace evening drinks with teas. Try sparkling water with citrus or well-made mocktails. This can make the change easier than expected. Pair this with a diet, regular moderate exercise and better sleep. You are actively improving your fertility from the inside out. You do not need a prescription. These are not sacrifices. In fertility treatment, small choices often make a big difference. Consistent small choices can make a difference in how things ultimately turn out.
