There's no confirmed safe level of alcohol for TTC. Moderate drinking (3–6 drinks/week) may reduce per-cycle fecundability by 18–25%. Heavy drinking definitively impairs both male and female fertility. The safest approach is to stop entirely once you start trying, but occasional light drinking in the follicular phase (before ovulation) is considered very low risk by most fertility doctors.
Effects on Female Fertility
A 2016 Danish study of 6,120 women found that consuming 14+ drinks per week was associated with an 18% reduction in fecundability (the per-cycle probability of conception). A 2021 study in Human Reproduction found that even moderate intake (3–6 drinks/week) during the luteal phase (after ovulation) was associated with reduced conception rates, while intake during the follicular phase showed less impact.
Effects on Male Fertility
Heavy drinking (14+ drinks/week) is associated with lower sperm count, reduced motility, and increased morphological abnormalities. Alcohol also increases estrogen conversion (aromatization) and reduces testosterone. A 2018 meta-analysis found that habitual drinking of more than 5 drinks per week was associated with reduced semen quality.
The social situation
One of the trickiest parts of TTC is navigating social drinking when you're not ready to announce you're trying. Strategies that work: order a club soda with lime (looks like a cocktail), say you're “on antibiotics,” drive (built-in excuse), or simply say “I'm not drinking tonight” without explanation. You don't owe anyone a reason.
The Full TTC Lifestyle Guide
Alcohol is one piece. Our body-readiness assessment covers everything.
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