Alcohol May Affect Fertility Treatment Success, Caffeine Appears Safe

New research has concluded that regular alcohol consumption can reduce the chances of getting pregnant after fertility treatments. However, caffeine does not seem to have this same impact on the success of fertility treatments. Researchers are studying the ways in which alcohol and caffeine impact fertility.

Caffeine Does not Appear to Impact Fertility Success

Researchers evaluated sixteen studies that included over 26,000 women and their partners who underwent IVF or ICSI. The research team analyzed data on seven studies that looked at caffeine and alcohol consumption among people who underwent fertility treatments.

They found that caffeine did not appear to impact the woman’s ability to get pregnant or successfully give birth after fertility treatments. Those who drank 84 grams, which equates to about seven drinks a week experienced a 7 percent lower chance of getting pregnant compared to those who did not drink alcohol. They found that caffeine did not appear to impact the woman’s ability to get pregnant or successfully give birth after fertility treatments

Interestingly, the male partner’s alcohol consumption also impacted the pregnancy success rates after fertility treatments. When the men drank 84 grams of alcohol a week, the live birth rate decreased by 9%.

Alcohol Linked to Lower Pregnancy and Birth Rates

It is believed that alcohol can cause hormonal imbalances, alter the health of the uterus, and impair sperm quality. Data published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica noted that men’s alcohol consumption can impact the risk of a pregnant partner experiencing a miscarriage after a fertility treatment.

Data from a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found that alcohol consumption was negatively associated with successful pregnancy using fertility treatments IVF and ICSI.

Dana Ellis Hunnes, a Clinical Dietitian and Assistant Professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, states the main takeaway is that alcohol consumption, even in low or moderate amounts, in both men and women is associated with decreased fertility when pursuing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment.

“Keeping this in mind might encourage more people to abstain from alcohol if they are trying to get pregnant through one of these methods,” Hunnes stated.

“In summary, when the woman consumes alcohol, there is a decreased chance of achieving pregnancy. When the male partner consumes alcohol, there is an increased risk of miscarriage,” stated Becca Romero, a Clinical Nutritionist, Fertility specialist and Owner of Little Life Nutrition.

To learn more about these topics and speak to one of our physicians about fertility treatment, you can request a consultation here.