Alcohol is a contentious topic in the world of infertility. Why? Because most of us really enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a tough day, and infertility is tough! We are also living in a wine culture, whereby drinking is glorified.
But alcohol and fertility aren’t always the best of friends.
In fact, alcohol is considered a social toxin – it’s something we expose ourselves to intentionally, but it has toxic effects on fertility.
The consideration of going alcohol-free is important when you are trying to conceive.
We know that there is no safe limit for alcohol in pregnancy. By extension, there is technically no safe limit when you are trying to conceive.
Here’s why:
- It impacts sperm quality especially when consumed in high levels
- There is a greater risk of miscarriage with more than or equal to 4 drinks per week
- There is a greater risk of infertility with more than 4 drinks per week
- There is a risk of lower ovarian reserve with binge drinking twice per week
It’s definitely a wise idea to take a good look at your alcohol intake and consider reducing your intake prior to trying to conceive, while going through fertility treatment, during your 2-week wait, and while pregnant.
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