12/17/2023 0 Comments Negative man pregnantHigh oestrogen levels can also lower the chance of implantation-which is when a fertilised egg or developing embryo attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. In those assigned-female-at-birth, disrupting just one of these sex hormones can disrupt the menstrual cycle and our ability to ovulate, thus reducing our chances of conceiving. Studies have shown that alcohol intake is associated with an increase in levels of oestrogen, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH), in addition to a decreasing our progesterone levels. Why does alcohol affect fertility?Īlthough the exact cause isn’t known, it’s been suggested that alcohol disrupts hormone levels, which in turn, can have knock-on-implications for our fertility. If we’re trying to conceive and in the last two weeks of our cycle, it’s probably best to steer clear of the booze all together. However, everyone’s cycle is different and we will all ovulate at different times-literally no cycle is exactly the same. So what does this mean for the average person? Basically, if we’re in the first two weeks of our cycle and we’re trying to conceive-it might be safe to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. Light and moderate drinking during these phases did not impact the participants chances of conceiving compared to non-drinkers. However during the follicular phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle, before ovulation) and during ovulation, only heavy drinking was associated with a reduced chance of conceiving. The study found that when participants drank in moderation, around 3-6 alcoholic drinks per week, during the luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation), it resulted in a 44% reduction in the chance of conceiving compared to non-drinkers. Whilst researchers observed a significant association between heavy drinking and a reduced likelihood of conceiving at all points during the menstrual cycle, light to moderate drinking varied significantly. Let’s take a look at female fertility and alcohol a little more closely… Female fertility and alcoholĪ recently published study by the University of Louisville was the first of its kind to investigate alcohol consumption’s effects on fertility during different phases of the menstrual cycle. However, there have been some recent studies that suggest in women, timing of alcohol consumption can play a part in determining its negative effects on our ability to conceive. Some studies suggest that even low to moderate alcohol consumption, which is classed as two drinks or less per day, can be associated with reduced fertility in both men and women. In short yes-any form of alcohol consumption has been found to affect both female and male fertility. Since there is no known safe level of alcohol for a developing foetus, the safest approach is to avoid it.Īdditionally, as we mentioned before, alcohol will also affect our ability to get pregnant in the first place-so if we’re trying to conceive, it’s also best to reduce our drinking to a minimum. If we’re drinking and do become pregnant, we may risk unintentionally exposing the baby to alcohol. This is to keep any possible risks to a baby that might be conceived to a minimum, as we may not know that we’re pregnant until a few, or more, weeks into a pregnancy. Less is known about alcohol’s effects on fertility and chances of conception than about its harmful effect on pregnancy, but overall the NHS currently recommends that alcohol should be avoided by women who are actively trying to conceive. Can you drink while trying to get pregnant?Ĭan you drink while trying to get pregnant?Īny form of alcohol consumption may impact our ability to get, and stay, pregnant.Not exactly the news most of us want to hear, but unfortunately alcohol consumption can affect our fertility (in both women and men) and therefore, our chances of conceiving.Īlthough all alcohol can affect fertility, new research has indicated that in those assigned-female-at-birth, both the timing of alcohol consumption, in relation to where we are at in our menstrual cycles, and the quantity we drink can determine how bad it’s negative effects are.īut do we need to cut the vino out all together? Or is there space to find a happy medium? Let’s take a look at exactly how alcohol and fertility are linked and what the effects of drinking are at different stages of the menstrual cycle and conception. If you’re trying to conceive, or beginning to think about starting a family, chances are you’ve probably recommended to stop, or at least cut down, drinking alcohol…
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