Refer a Friend and Earn Offers! - Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Alcohol and Your Fertility

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? Should women or their partners curb the alcohol for the best chances of pregnancy? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility, plus whether you should stop drinking if you’re trying to become parents.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • For women, alcohol consumption can be disruptive to hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle.
  • For men, alcohol consumption is linked to sexual dysfunction, reduced sperm count and lower quality sperm.
  • While abstaining isn’t necessary if you’re trying to conceive, limiting your alcohol consumption can help improve your fertility health.

The Impact of Alcohol on Female Fertility

Heavy drinking, which is what you’re doing if you’re drinking eight or more alcoholic drinks in a week or more than three at a time, is associated with a laundry list of health problems (1). For women who are trying to conceive, a drinking habit means a greater likelihood of issues including:

  • Irregular menstrual cycle. Your cycle depends on a delicate and precise balance of hormones, and alcohol can really throw a wrench into things. A regular cycle makes it much easier to time sex for conception, you’re far more likely to experience skipped or irregular periods if you’re drinking excessively.
  • Ovulatory disorders. Too much alcohol can interfere with ovulation. When an egg isn’t properly released, there is zero chance of conceiving.
  • Hormonal imbalances. Alcohol intake seems to be associated with higher estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) and a drop in progesterone. Again, hormonal balance is important for fertility and an imbalance to any of these sex hormones can throw everything out of whack.
  • Reduced egg quality. One study found a link between alcohol consumption and egg quality, which reduces their viability for fertilization (2).
  • Increased risk of miscarriage. More bad news—drinking during the preconception can also increase the risk of miscarriage in the event you do become pregnant.

The Impact of Alcohol on Male Fertility

For men, heavy drinking is north of 15 drinks per week, and it’s a habit that’s associated with a nosedive in fertility health. It’s not that alcohol kills sperm, exactly, but rather that it reduces semen health parameters across the board (3):

  • Reduced sperm production. While men produce sperm around the clock, alcohol can interfere with normal production in the testes, leading to a lower sperm count. That means less sperm on hand for the race to the egg.
  • Reduced sperm quality. Sperm health is measured with a few different parameters, including motility (how well it moves) and morphology (how properly it’s shaped). Sperm that can’t move properly or are abnormally shaped can’t move as efficiently to reach and ultimately fertilize an egg. And yes, you guessed it. Men who drink excessively, particularly those who binge drink (defined as five or more drinks in a few hours), are far more likely to have wonky sperm that swim in circles or nowhere at all.
  • DNA damage. Oxidative stress and the subsequent free radical damage in the body are another unfortunate side effect of too much booze. That can create DNA damage in sperm cells, which opens the door to fertility problems and even potential birth defects in the event of a successful conception.
  • Erectile dysfunction. You’ve probably heard it referred to as the charming “whiskey dick.” Men who drink excessively have a hard time getting and maintaining an erection, which presents another enormous hurdle to conceiving (4).
  • Hormonal imbalance. Low testosterone levels can be another side effect of alcohol consumption.

    Should You Stop Drinking If You’re Trying to Get Pregnant?

    Clearly, too much alcohol wreaks havoc on male and female fertility alike. But the impact is directly caused by how much you’re drinking and how often you’re doing it. There’s really no need to cut out alcohol completely for the sake of your fertility health. In fact, abstaining completely may even be associated with lower sperm quality! Researchers are still puzzling this one out, but the current theory relates to the antioxidants in alcohol.

    Still, it’s definitely important to be really honest with yourself about your consumption habits. There is no magic amount to drink to safeguard (or boost!) your fertility, but for men, somewhere around three to four bottles of beer, two to three mixed drinks or three glasses of wine in a week seems to be safe. If you’re currently downing more than that, cutting back should help improve your fertility health. Remember, the sperm maturation process is roughly three months, so you can really expect to see an improvement in any alcohol-related infertility issues in that time.

    For women, the recommended amount of alcohol per week is even lower. Aim for light consumption, which is fewer than three glasses of wine in a week. And if you can time those drinks to the first half of your cycle, all the better. There’s some evidence that drinking in moderation (3 to 6 drinks per week) during the luteal phase, or the second half of the cycle, after ovulation, significantly reduces conception chances compared to those who don’t drink (5).

    The Bottom Line

    Experts recommend leading a healthy lifestyle when a couple is actively trying for a baby, and cutting back on alcohol is an important part of that. Eating nourishing foods, supplementing with high-quality prenatal vitamins (for her and for him!), exercising, managing stress, and limiting the booze are among the very best ways to support your fertility health during this exciting time.

    Article Resources

    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Alcohol and Public Health.
    2. Wdowiak, A et al. (2014). Alcohol consumption and quality of embryos obtained in programmes of in vitro fertilization. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24959808/
    3. Jensen, T et al. (n.d.). Habitual alcohol consumption associated with reduced semen quality and changes in reproductive hormones; a cross-sectional study among 1221 young Danish men. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/9/e005462
    4. The Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Alcohol and temporary erectile dysfunction. https://www.smsna.org/patients/did-you-know/alcohol-and-temporary-erectile-dysfunction
    5. Van Heertum, K et al. (2017). Alcohol and fertility: how much is too much? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/

    Additional Resources

    Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

    Read More

    Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

    Read More

    Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

    Read More

    Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

    Read More

    While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

    Read More

    The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

    Read More

    The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

    Read More

    If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

    Read More

    When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

    Read More

    Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

    Read More

    While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

    Read More

    The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

    Read More

    While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

    Read More

    There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

    Read More

    For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

    Read More

    Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

    Read More

    Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

    Read More

    It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

    Read More

    If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

    Read More

    Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

    Read More

    Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

    Read More

    Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

    Read More

    Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

    Read More

    Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

    Read More

    Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

    Read More

    Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

    Read More

    Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

    Read More

    Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

    Read More

    While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

    Read More

    The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

    Read More

    If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

    Read More

    When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

    Read More

    Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

    Read More

    While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

    Read More

    There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

    Read More

    For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

    Read More

    Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

    Read More

    It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

    Read More

    Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

    Read More

    Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

    Read More

    Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

    Read More

    Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

    Read More

    If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

    Read More

    Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

    Read More

    The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

    Read More

    If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

    Read More

    Choline is an overlooked essential nutrient in many prenatal vitamin formulas, and it's a major oversight. Here at Beli, we've been sounding the alarm for years and it's gratifying to see that the market is beginning to catch up. That's thanks in part to articles like "The 7 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy, According to a Prenatal Dietitian" from Parents. Spoiler: Beli for Women made the list.

    Read More

    While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

    Read More

    The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

    Read More

    For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

    Read More

    Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

    Read More

    It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

    Read More

    If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

    Read More
    ×

    Change Shipping Country

    Cancel