Does Alcohol Affect Fertility? Comprehensive Drinking & Pregnancy Guide

15th Oct 2024

If you’re trying to conceive or thinking about starting a family soon, you’ve probably wondered whether that glass of wine is doing more harm than good. It’s one of those questions that comes up a lot — and honestly, the answer isn’t as black and white as you might expect. Research^1,19 suggests that heavy drinking while trying to get pregnant can have negative consequences on female and male fertility — including reduced fecundability in women and lower sperm quality in men. But how much is too much? Can alcohol prevent pregnancy even if you only drink occasionally? In this article, we’ll walk you through what the science actually says about alcohol and fertility, so you can make choices that feel right for your body and your journey. We’ll also share some practical tips for cutting back if that’s something you’re considering.

Transparency Notice: FertilitySmart produces and sells fertility supplements. This article is written for educational purposes. While we strive for accuracy and balance, readers should be aware of this commercial relationship when evaluating our content.

Can You Drink While Trying to Get Pregnant?

Section Summary: Moderate alcohol consumption — defined as one drink or fewer per day for women and two or fewer for men — is generally considered compatible with trying to conceive. However, many fertility specialists recommend abstaining entirely, as heavy drinking disrupts hormonal balance, impairs egg and sperm quality, and poses risks to early pregnancy before most women know they've conceived.

Here’s the thing — you can drink in moderation while trying to get pregnant.² For most people, that means³ having two drinks or fewer in a day if you’re a man and one drink or less in a day if you’re a woman. That said, there are some really good reasons why you might want to take a break from alcohol altogether during this time.

For starters, drinking too much can lead to many different health problems, whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not. Alcohol consumption can interfere with the communication pathways in your brain,⁴leading to disruptions in mood, behaviour, and cognitive function. And if you’re already feeling the emotional weight of trying to conceive, it’s worth knowing that research suggests alcohol and anxiety have a bidirectional relationship — alcohol use and anxiety often co-occur and can reinforce each other.⁵ So if stress is part of your TTC experience (and for many of us, it is), stepping back from alcohol might genuinely help.

Beyond that, heavy drinking can make your liver become fatty and thick,⁶ leading to an accumulation of fibrous tissue that restricts blood flow. This can cause your liver cells to become malnourished, resulting in organ malfunction. On top of that, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the electrical signals that regulate your heart’s rhythm, potentially causing permanent damage,⁷which can reduce your heart’s ability to circulate blood effectively and negatively impact every aspect of your overall health.

There’s another really important consideration here: if you do become pregnant, you should avoid alcohol entirely, as there is no known safe amount of alcohol for a developing foetus.⁸ While moderate consumption during the preconception phase may be compatible with conception attempts per current research, many fertility specialists recommend abstinence for optimal health and to eliminate the risk of accidental early foetal exposure. This includes all types of alcohol — wine, wine coolers, cocktails, beer, and liquor.

Section Summary: While moderate drinking may be compatible with trying to conceive, there are compelling reasons to abstain entirely. Alcohol can worsen anxiety during an already stressful time, damage liver and heart health, and poses risks to early foetal development. Since there's no known safe alcohol level during pregnancy, avoiding alcohol eliminates your risk of accidental early exposure.

How Does Alcohol Affect Fertility?

Section Summary: Alcohol affects fertility in both women and men through multiple mechanisms. In women, heavy drinking disrupts menstrual cycles, impairs ovulation, reduces egg quality, and may increase early pregnancy loss risk. In men, excessive alcohol lowers testosterone, reduces sperm count and motility, and heavy chronic use is associated with erectile dysfunction — with sperm recovery taking approximately 3 months after you reduce your intake.

This is where things get really interesting — and, honestly, where some of the research genuinely surprised me. Alcohol can impact fertility in both men and women, with its effects influenced by factors like how much and how often you drink. For example, heavy drinking can lead to loss of libido in women⁹ and men,¹⁰which can make it harder to conceive. Regular drinking can also contribute to weight gain,¹¹ which is another factor that can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

How Does Alcohol Affect Female Fertility?

Excessive alcohol can really throw your reproductive system and hormonal balance off. Here are some of the ways drinking too much may get in the way of your plans to start or grow your family:

Menstrual cycle disruption: Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Drinking alcohol — especially heavy or binge drinking — can shift hormones, raising oestrogen and lowering progesterone.¹² It can also change levels¹³ of estradiol, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone. These shifts can disrupt the normal hormonal patterns your body needs for regular ovulation.

Increased risk of early pregnancy loss: While the evidence isn’t conclusive on exactly how alcohol affects implantation, some research¹⁴ suggests that drinking alcohol during the implantation phase can prevent proper implantation and may increase the chances of early pregnancy loss. Implantation is a critical stage in early pregnancy that happens 6-12 days after fertilisation, when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus.

Worsening PCOS: If you’re living with PCOS, this one’s especially important. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal disorder affecting an estimated 10–13% of women of reproductive age.¹⁵ It involves imbalances in reproductive hormones, which can cause symptoms like irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens). While women living with PCOS can and do get pregnant with and without reproductive assistance, those with PCOS have a lower natural conception rate. This is because PCOS can lead to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation), which can contribute to fertility challenges. Here’s what many people don’t realise: excessive alcohol consumption can actually make the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS worse. And since PCOS and heavy drinking independently disrupt ovulation and cycle regularity, when combined, their effects may compound, making it even more challenging to conceive.

Reduced egg quality: Heavy alcohol consumption can significantly affect your egg quality, lowering the chance your eggs will fertilize successfully. This matters especially if you’re going through fertility treatment, as research has shown¹³ that alcohol consumption can negatively impact the success rate of egg retrieval and fertilisation. One study¹⁶ looking at women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) found that alcohol intake during treatment led to the production of poorer-quality embryos, which could potentially affect the overall success of the procedure.

How Does Alcohol Affect Male Fertility?

This is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Although you may think of fertility and conception as a woman’s concern, up to 50% of infertility issues¹⁷ can be attributed to male factors. That means if you're a man planning a pregnancy, your lifestyle habits — including alcohol — matter just as much.

The good news? You may not need to quit drinking altogether. Reducing your weekly alcohol intake can improve sperm quality. Just keep in mind that spermatogenesis itself takes about 74 days,¹⁸ with another 14–16 days for sperm to mature in the epididymis — so it usually takes around 3 months of reduced or no alcohol before improvements in sperm parameters appear. Here’s how alcohol consumption can impact male fertility:

Reduced sperm quality: A study published in BMJ Open¹⁹looking at men ages 18-28 found that regular drinking was associated with lower sperm quality. The more weekly units of alcohol the participants consumed, the lower the sperm quality — particularly in men who drank 25 or more UK alcohol units a week — roughly 12 pints of standard beer or 25 small glasses of wine.

Hormonal imbalances: Heavy or chronic alcohol use can suppress testosterone levels²⁰ (research suggests acute moderate intake may briefly raise it, but chronic use lowers it). Testosterone is a sex hormone that affects how the male body functions. Lower levels of testosterone can reduce the quantity and quality of sperm, lower libido, and increase the risk for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction: If you drink heavily or chronically, you face a higher risk of erectile dysfunction — difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Research on the relationship between alcohol and ED is nuanced — while light-to-moderate drinking may not increase risk, consistent heavy drinking can depress the central nervous system, lower testosterone over time, and interfere with the brain–body signals involved in maintaining an erection.

Alcohol’s Effects on Fertility: Female vs Male Impact by Consumption Level
Consumption Level	Definition	Female Fertility Effects	Male Fertility Effects	Recovery Timeline
None/Minimal	0–1 drink per week or abstinence.	No adverse effects on ovulation, egg quality, or hormone balance; optimal for fertility.	No adverse effects on sperm quality or production; optimal for fertility.	Not applicable; no recovery needed.
Light	1–3 drinks per week; moderate social drinking.	Research suggests minimal impact at light levels; ovulation and menstrual cycle typically remain regular.	Minimal impact on sperm quality; testosterone and hormone levels generally stable.	Immediate return to normal if drinking is stopped; no persistent effects.
Moderate	4–7 drinks per week; daily or regular drinking.	Research indicates impaired ovulation, disrupted menstrual cycles, and decreased egg quality; may impair fertility.	Reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology; decreased testosterone; impaired semen quality.	Sperm production recovers gradually; approximately 3 months of abstinence may show improvement in semen parameters.
Heavy	8+ drinks per week; chronic alcohol use.	Significant disruption to ovulation, menstrual regularity, and egg quality; may contribute to anovulation; fertility substantially reduced.	Severe impairment of sperm production, viability, and motility; testosterone often significantly suppressed.	Spermatogenesis takes about 74 days plus 14–16 days of epididymal maturation; allow approximately 3 months for measurable improvement after cessation.

Section Summary: Alcohol affects female fertility by disrupting menstrual cycles, impairing ovulation, reducing egg quality, worsening PCOS symptoms, and potentially increasing early pregnancy loss risk. In men, it reduces testosterone, lowers sperm count and motility, and heavy chronic use is associated with erectile dysfunction. Sperm recovery from alcohol-related damage takes approximately 3 months due to the spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation cycle (~90 days total).

What Are the Best Tips for Cutting Down on Alcohol While TTC?

Section Summary: Effective strategies for reducing alcohol while trying to conceive include enlisting a supportive partner or friend, identifying and avoiding triggers, exploring non-alcoholic alternatives, tracking your progress and health improvements, and seeking professional help if needed. Most alcohol-related fertility effects are reversible when you abstain or reduce consumption during the preconception period.

Here’s some genuinely encouraging news: the majority of risks linked to alcohol consumption and fertility are reversible simply by cutting back or abstaining while you’re trying to conceive. The occasional drink for a special event? Generally not something to worry about in the period leading up to pregnancy. That said, it’s worth remembering that better health outcomes for babies begin before conception.²² If you’re looking to reduce your alcohol intake or step away from it altogether while trying for a baby, here are some tips that many in our community have found helpful:

Enlist Support

Let’s be honest — reducing your alcohol intake can be tough, especially when you’re around friends or family who enjoy a drink or two. One thing that can really help is finding a sober buddy — maybe your partner or a friend who’s also looking to cut down. Having someone who shares your goals can make this whole process feel so much more manageable.

Avoid Temptations

Take a moment to think about the feelings, people, or situations that make you want to reach for a drink — and then do your best to steer clear of them. For example, if you’re used to unwinding with a glass of wine in the evening, try replacing that habit with something else you enjoy, like a warm bath, getting lost in a good book, or watching your favourite show.

Find Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

The non-alcoholic drinks scene has come a long way — and there are genuinely delicious options out there now. If you usually order beer, wine, or cocktails, try their alcohol-free counterparts. Most bars and restaurants now carry a solid selection of mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. And there are tons of recipes on social media that you can experiment with at home — some of them are honestly better than the originals.

Educate Yourself

While you’re navigating your conception journey, learning more about the risks of drinking during pregnancy and its potential harm to your baby can really strengthen your resolve. But here’s an important balance: make sure your information comes from reliable sources, and if it all starts feeling like too much, don’t hesitate to step away from your phone or laptop and give yourself a breather.

Track Your Progress

Keep an eye on the positive changes — it can be incredibly motivating as you cut back. Notice the money you’re saving from skipping drinks at the pub or restaurant. Pay attention to how your energy levels lift and how much better you might be sleeping. Those small wins add up — and they can really fuel your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Seek Professional Help If Needed

If you’re finding it really challenging to reduce or stop drinking, please know that seeking professional help is absolutely okay — and it takes genuine courage to recognise when you need support beyond your immediate circle. You can turn to health professionals — doctors, therapists, or specialised counsellors — for guidance and strategies tailored to your situation. They can also help you address any underlying issues and give you coping tools that are both healthy and effective.

Remember, every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle doesn’t just benefit you — it’s also creating the best possible foundation for a future pregnancy. Reaching out for help is one of the most positive things you can do for yourself and for the family you’re building.

Section Summary: Most alcohol-related fertility risks are reversible with abstinence. Practical strategies include finding a sober buddy, avoiding triggers, trying non-alcoholic alternatives, educating yourself through reliable sources, tracking health improvements, and seeking professional support if needed. These lifestyle changes benefit both current health and future pregnancy outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I stop drinking before trying to conceive?

There's no universally agreed timeline, but many fertility specialists recommend that women stop drinking at least one month before actively trying to conceive to minimise hormonal disruption and eliminate the risk of early foetal alcohol exposure. Men should aim to reduce or stop alcohol consumption at least three months before trying to conceive, as spermatogenesis takes about 74 days, with full sperm maturation including epididymal transit taking approximately 90 days. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

How does alcohol affect implantation?

Research on alcohol and implantation remains limited, but some evidence suggests that excessive alcohol intake during the implantation window (6–12 days after fertilisation) may interfere with the process by disrupting hormonal regulation and uterine receptivity. Since implantation occurs before most women know they're pregnant, abstaining from alcohol while actively trying to conceive is the safest approach to protect this critical early stage.

Does alcohol affect egg quality?

Yes, excessive drinking can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation, which can affect egg quality. The toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism, including acetaldehyde, may directly damage cells involved in egg maturation and development. Studies on women undergoing IVF have shown that alcohol consumption during treatment was associated with poorer embryo quality and reduced success rates.

Does alcohol affect ovulation?

Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt menstrual cycle regularity and ovulation patterns, which are critical for conception. Alcohol increases oestrogen levels while decreasing progesterone, and can alter levels of oestradiol, testosterone, and luteinising hormone — all of which are necessary for regular ovulation. These disruptions can make predicting your fertile window more difficult and extend your time to conception.

Can a man drink alcohol when trying to conceive?

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered compatible with male fertility, but heavy drinking (more than 25 units per week) is associated with significantly reduced sperm quality and lower testosterone levels, and heavy chronic use is associated with erectile dysfunction. If you're a man trying to conceive, aim to limit your intake to moderate levels or abstain entirely — you can typically expect improvements in sperm parameters after approximately three months of reduced consumption.

Is it safe to drink alcohol during the two-week wait?

The two-week wait (the period between ovulation and when you can take a pregnancy test) is a particularly sensitive time. If fertilisation has occurred, the embryo may be implanting during this window. Since there's no known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, many specialists recommend treating the two-week wait as if you could be pregnant and avoiding alcohol to eliminate any potential risk to early embryonic development.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are TTC, pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, or taking medication, talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Supporting Your Fertility with FertilitySmart

We know how challenging and emotionally draining the TTC journey can be — especially if you’ve hit some bumps along the way. That’s exactly why we offer fertility and ovulation support supplements formulated with evidence-based ingredients that don’t require a prescription and are suitable for both women and men.

Our female fertility supplements are formulated with evidence-based ingredients including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals selected to support reproductive health. They contain CoQ10²⁴ and L-Arginine²⁵ — ingredients studied in the context of assisted reproduction (note: these studies were conducted in women undergoing ART, and the L-Arginine trial was small-scale). We also offer male fertility supplements that provide essential nutrients for proper hormone metabolism, sperm formation, and motility.

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Marina Carter

Fertility Health Writer at FertilitySmart

Marina Carter is a specialist health writer with nearly a decade of experience in reproductive health, fertility nutrition, and research-informed conception support. She has authored over 30 in-depth articles for FertilitySmart, translating peer-reviewed research into clear, practical guidance for individuals and couples on their fertility journey. Read full bio →

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