How Alcohol Affects Fertility: What Both Men and Women Need To Know

Landing on just the right baby name, gender reveal parties, and cozy newborn snuggles.

If becoming pregnant is in your future, whether near or far, you may be wondering how alcohol can impact your journey. Does alcohol affect your chances of getting pregnant?

In this article, we discuss how alcohol affects fertility in both men and women. We’ll cover the science and provide 5 common fertility disruptions for females and males, so you can gain a better understanding of how it could be messing with your chances of getting pregnant.

Table of Contents

• Can Alcohol Mess With Your Fertility?
• How Does Alcohol Affect Fertility in Females? 5 Common Disruptions Women May Experience
• How Does Alcohol Affect Fertility in Men? 5 Common Disruptions Males Might Experience
• Recommendations for Reducing Alcohol and Improving Fertility
• FAQs Regarding Alcohol and Fertility
• Learn How To Support Long-Term Reproductive Health by Reducing Alcohol Use With Dove Recovery

Yes, alcohol can negatively impact your fertility, even in moderate amounts. Numerous studies show that alcohol consumption in both men and women can cause disruptions that lower the chances of conceiving a baby.

If you or your loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse disorder and feels that it's time to get help, Dove Recovery is a phone call away. Our goal is to be your last call for help. Our caring and supportive team is ready to help you achieve sobriety and live the best, healthiest life you can.

Contact us by phone or online, and we will take care of you from there.

#1: Hormone Imbalances

Alcohol can disrupt reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone. By increasing estrogen and decreasing progesterone, alcohol can lower fertility chances by interfering with normal hormone balance.

#2: Egg Quality

Women are born with a finite number of eggs, so ensuring those eggs are of the best quality may raise their chances of becoming pregnant. If the quality is lowered, it can potentially impact fertility over time.

Women who struggle with alcohol use disorder are more likely to develop poorer quality eggs than women who abstain from alcohol. If you or a loved one is trying or planning to become pregnant, the best chances for fertility often come with support, help, and recovery.

Dove Recovery is here to help, every step of the way. Becoming and staying sober creates the best possible start to a pregnancy journey and becoming a parent. Reach out to our team to take the next step on your journey towards health and fertility.

#3: Ovulation and Menstrual Cycles

Through the disruption of hormones, alcohol can lead to irregular cycles, missed periods, delayed ovulation, or anovulation. Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. When cycles and ovulation are unpredictable, it becomes difficult to determine the fertile window for pregnancy.

#4: Implantation and Early Pregnancy

Alcohol can interfere with the ability to become pregnant and lower the chances of having a successful pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during the luteal phase of menstruation can decrease the likelihood of conceiving by 44% compared to non-drinkers. 

49.7% of women in a study reported consuming alcohol during early pregnancy, and of those, 12% of them suffered a miscarriage.

#5: Fertility Treatments

Consuming alcohol at the beginning of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) can lower the odds of a successful pregnancy and live birth with as few as four drinks per week. 

A woman who consumed at least four alcoholic beverages per week had a 16% lower chance of live birth, and couples in which both partners drank at least four drinks per week had 21% lower odds of achieving a live birth.

#1: Hormonal Imbalances

Alcohol consumption, especially heavy or chronic use, can lower testosterone in men, which is a crucial hormone for sperm production. It can also increase estrogen and disrupt luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, negatively affecting male reproductive function.

#2: Sperm Quality & Quantity

The decrease in volume and quality of semen is linked to increased alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of damaging sperm and negatively impacting sperm morphology.

#3: Oxidative Stress

The toxic byproducts of alcohol within your body can be overwhelming and cause alcohol-induced oxidative distress. The increase in reactive oxygen species from alcohol can harm sperm DNA and lower overall sperm quality.

#4: Testicular Damage

Chronic alcohol consumption can harm testes, affect sperm-producing cells, and potentially shrink testicles. The result of these negative effects can reduce sperm count and quality, and decrease overall fertility in men.

#5: Sexual Dysfunction

Alcohol can cause impotence and low libido, which can hinder conception. The decrease in testosterone can lower sperm production and disrupt normal reproductive function in men.

Consult a medical professional to guide your next steps toward sobriety and your journey to conception. The CDC recommends avoiding alcohol for at least 4–6 weeks before trying to conceive. 

If you think you or a loved one has an issue with alcohol overconsumption, reach out to Dove Recovery to begin your road to a healthier life. Our caring team provides support along your journey and beyond, teaching you how to recognize triggers and avoid relapse by equipping you with practical tools and skills.

Does Alcohol Affect Fertility in Both Men and Women?

Yes, both men's and women’s hormones are affected by alcohol consumption. The negative effects on ovulation and egg quality in women and sperm quantity and quality in men can cause fertility issues.

How Long After Quitting Drinking Does Fertility Come Back?

How your body recovers from alcohol consumption depends on both the duration and frequency of your drinking. If you want to understand how your hormones are doing after quitting alcohol, consider getting a hormone test.

Are There Short-Term Effects of Fertility After Drinking Alcohol?

It’s possible, but fertility is more commonly affected by consistent or long-term use rather than recent intake. The more alcohol that is consumed, the lower the chances of conceiving.

If you are struggling with alcohol use disorder and are trying or planning to conceive, it’s time to reach out to a recovery center to give yourself the best chance on your fertility journey. Dove Recovery’s team of compassionate professionals truly cares about every person who needs their help. They provide treatment, support, and the skills required for you to reclaim and live the life you dream of.

Dove Recovery offers the following treatment programs:

• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Outpatient Program
• Counseling and Therapy
• Detox

Fill out our online contact form or give us a call to begin your road to recovery.

‍