Alcohol reduces the chances of pregnancy

If a woman is trying to conceive, it is advised that she stop drinking alcohol, especially during the second half of the menstrual cycle. This period is critical, as conditions are created for the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall. Alcohol consumption can disrupt this process, significantly reducing the chances of successful conception.

A study published in the scientific journal ESHRE confirms this.

A team of experts led by Dr. Kira Taylor, an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at the University of Louisville, analyzed data from the Mount Sinai Study of Women Office Workers, which collected information from over 400 women aged 19 to 41, between 1990 and 1994, and followed them for 19 menstrual cycles.

They filled out a daily diary in which they indicated the amount and type of alcohol they consumed, their attempts to conceive, and provided urine samples on the first and second days of each menstrual cycle. The results showed that consuming alcohol more than six times a week reduced the chances of pregnancy by 61%.

Dr. Taylor noted that some women believe that drinking alcohol during certain phases of the cycle is safe. However, this is a misconception. For example, heavy alcohol consumption during the luteal phase reduces the chances of pregnancy by 44%.

An article from 2012 by the U.S. National Library of Medicine highlights that alcohol has a negative impact on both female and male fertility. In women, this translates to impaired ovulation and egg quality. In men, excessive alcohol consumption leads to reduced sperm motility and concentration, as well as morphological changes.

Effects of Alcohol on Fertility

How does alcohol affect women and men?

• Women. Alcohol consumption disrupts hormonal balance, which can lead to ovulation failures. It also impairs egg quality, reducing their ability to be fertilized. Alcohol exposure disrupts the phases of the menstrual cycle, making it difficult for an embryo to implant.
• Men. Alcohol reduces testosterone levels, impairs sperm quality, and decreases their number and motility. Abnormalities in sperm shape occur, which significantly complicates conception.

General Recommendations for Couples Considering Pregnancy

1. Stop Alcohol Consumption. It is recommended to completely abstain from alcohol 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive a child. This period is necessary to restore the body and improve fertility.
2. Healthy Lifestyle. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep create optimal conditions for successful conception.
3. Medical Advice. Consult your doctor for a fertility assessment and personalized recommendations.

Spontaneous Pregnancy and IVF

For women considering spontaneous pregnancy, avoiding alcohol helps normalize hormones and improve egg quality. These factors are essential for the success of conception and embryo implantation.

In the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF), controlling alcohol consumption plays a crucial role. It helps ensure optimal conditions for endometrial preparation and embryo quality, which significantly increases the likelihood of successful implantation.

Minimizing exposure to harmful factors such as alcohol creates favorable conditions for pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. Adhering to the recommendations increases the chances of success for natural conception and the use of reproductive technologies.