Sharing a glass of wine or enjoying a night out with friends is a normal part of life for many people, but when you’re trying to conceive, it’s natural to wonder how alcohol might affect your fertility journey. The research is clear: alcohol can affect both male and female fertility, and even small amounts may make it harder to conceive.
Key Facts About Alcohol and Fertility
- Any amount of alcohol may reduce fertility - there is no “safe” level when trying to conceive.
- Alcohol affects both men and women - it can impair egg and sperm quality, making conception more difficult.
- Drinking before conception can affect pregnancy outcomes - heavy or sustained alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and congenital conditions.
o
How does alcohol affect female fertility?
Studies show that alcohol can:
- Disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles
- Reduce egg quality and impair implantation
- Increase the risk of miscarriage
- Lower libido, making regular intercourse less likely
- Exacerbate hormone imbalances, particularly for women with conditions such as PCOS
Excess alcohol can also affect sleep and overall wellbeing, both of which are important for reproductive health.
The UK Chief Medical Officers’ guideline recommends that women trying to conceive (and those who are pregnant) avoid alcohol altogether to minimise risks for both fertility and pregnancy.
How does alcohol affect male fertility?
For men, drinking above the UK low-risk guideline of 14 units per week can:
- Lower testosterone levels
- Damage sperm-producing cells in the testes
- Reduce sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape)
- Impair erection and ejaculation (leading to sexual dysfunction)
- Disrupt liver function, which is important for processing nutrients like vitamin A, essential for sperm development
The good news is that sperm are constantly being produced as they have a 90 day lifecycle, and lifestyle changes made now, including reducing or stopping alcohol, can improve sperm health within 2–3 months.
What You Can Do to Support Fertility
While alcohol-related damage to eggs cannot be reversed, stopping alcohol use may help protect the quality of remaining eggs. For both men and women, adopting a healthy lifestyle supports fertility:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Exercise moderately and aim for a healthy BMI
- Stop smoking or vaping
- Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep
- Seek support if you’re finding it difficult to cut back on alcohol
Your GP or fertility specialist can provide personalised advice. If needed, they may also signpost you to support services or organisations that can help you reduce alcohol use safely.
Alcohol is often woven into our social lives, but when it comes to fertility, even small changes can make a difference. Choosing to cut down or stop drinking is a proactive step you can take to improve your reproductive health and give yourself the best possible chance of conceiving.
At The IVFN, we're...
