The Relationship Between Alcohol Abuse & Infertility: A Growing Problem

Alcoholism is a huge problem in today’s society and is an ongoing concern for both professionals and those suffering, with substance abuse affecting all areas of our health.

We’re often aware of how alcohol affects things like our liver and even mental health, with people who are suffering often seeking out treatment as a result of that. But there’s also a close relationship between alcohol abuse and infertility, which many people aren’t aware of.

Alcohol can disrupt both male and female reproductive health in a number of different ways, which can be heartbreaking for those with alcohol problems trying to start a family.

Help is out there though, and you can find centres these days that offer an affordable drug rehab cost in order to tackle such situations, with money often the thing that does put people off.

However, it’s important to understand exactly what alcohol abuse can do when it comes to reproduction, to get that nudge and do something about it before it’s too late…

Female Fertility & Alcohol

For women, excessive consumption of alcohol can disrupt the delicately balanced hormonal state necessary for the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Chronic abuse of alcohol can lead to irregularity in a woman’s cycle, as well as a lack of ovulation and in many cases even early menopause.

What’s more, it can cause further issues with the success of getting pregnant, interfering with the implantation of a fertilised egg in the uterus.

Male Fertility & Alcohol

Many men may be aware of ‘brewers droop’ but alcohol can cause much more serious problems than that. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to a lower sperm count and lower quality sperm too.

As alcohol can decrease testosterone levels, there’s an increased likelihood of sperm morphology, increasing the time it will take for a couple to conceive.

Alcohol-Related Conditions Impacting Fertility

Alongside directly affecting fertility, other alcohol-related conditions can also further complicate the chances of impregnation and fertility as a whole.

Liver disease is commonly associated with alcohol abuse, and that can disrupt hormone metabolism and indirectly affect the reproductive function, while for men, the likes of erectile dysfunction and arousal difficulties among both genders can naturally cause significant challenges when it comes to intercourse itself.

Drinking in Moderation and Getting Help

What should be said is that moderate alcohol consumption, for example, one drink per day is not considered to be harmful and shouldn’t affect fertility according to experts. However, it is important to evaluate your consumption and be mindful of your intake should you be looking to conceive, particularly if fertility challenges are a problem.

Of course, for those that are struggling with alcohol, getting help is so important, not just to improve chances of conceiving, but also to ensure you are in the best position to parent should you welcome a new member of the family.