{"id":41,"date":"2021-03-30T09:33:29","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T13:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/41\/smoking-alcohol-trying-to-conceive\/"},"modified":"2024-12-31T13:42:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T18:42:27","slug":"smoking-alcohol-trying-to-conceive","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/41\/smoking-alcohol-trying-to-conceive\/","title":{"rendered":"How smoking and alcohol can affect fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alcohol and smoking of any kind<\/span> can negatively impact fertility, making the road to conception a bit more difficult.<\/p>\n

The effects of drinking and smoking on fertility<\/h2>\n

When you consider the effects that drinking and smoking may have on fertility, you can better prepare yourself and your body before trying to conceive.<\/p>\n

Alcohol and fertility<\/h2>\n

Research is mixed on how occasional drinking may affect female fertility. Some studies have found that individuals who consume two or more alcoholic drinks a day see lower fertility rates, but there\u2019s no single study that shows you need to cut out alcohol completely while TTC.<\/span> Occasional, light drinking is probably compatible with TTC. It all depends on personal tolerance and your acceptance of any level of risk<\/span>. However, individuals who abuse alcohol are more likely to develop certain infertility conditions, such as the absence of ovulation or menstruation.<\/p>\n

Research is similarly inconclusive about the impact of alcohol on male fertility. Alcohol is one of many factors, like exercise, nutrition, sleep and weight, <\/span>that can contribute to sperm count. Limiting alcohol intake when trying to conceive may help boost fertility, but cutting it out completely is a personal choice.<\/p>\n

It is recommended that if you’re actively TTC – and, as such, could presumably (and hopefully!) become pregnant at any time – that you proceed with caution when it comes to alcohol. If there\u2019s any chance you have conceived, there is no safe level of alcohol use in pregnancy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Smoking and fertility<\/h2>\n

What about smoking and female fertility? Those who smoke or vape may be at a greater risk of experiencing ovulation problems or other general health issues that may negatively affect<\/span> fertility. Any amount of smoking can reduce egg quality and make your uterine lining less inviting for an embryo. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cigarette smoke can also adversely affect male fertility, as it may lower sperm count and make it difficult for individual sperm to make their way to a fallopian tube and fertilize an egg.<\/p>\n

Because smoking certainly isn’t good for your health – fertility health or general health – quitting is recommended. And because smoking while pregnant leads to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and other complications, if you’re actively TTC, quitting now definitely makes a lot of sense.<\/p>\n

\n

Read more<\/h5>\n