Is Coffee Bad For Fertility?
As coffee has become a staple beverage in many cultures, people often wonder if coffee consumption has an impact on fertility. Although traditional wisdom suggests that coffee and fertility don’t mix, the evidence is mixed. One potential issue with coffee and fertility is that the caffeine found in coffee can interfere with hormone levels in the body, which can affect fertility.
Studies have shown that women who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine daily (the equivalent of four 8-ounce cups of coffee) are more likely to experience difficulty getting pregnant or having a successful pregnancy. Some studies have even suggested that excessive caffeine consumption may increase the risk of miscarriage. In addition, coffee has been linked to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can affect fertility by making it more difficult for the body to conceive. Studies have also suggested that coffee can reduce blood flow to the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. Other studies have suggested that moderate coffee consumption may not actually have an adverse effect on fertility, however. For instance, a recent study found that women who consumed up to 3 cups of coffee daily were no more likely to experience difficulty getting pregnant than those who abstained from coffee.
The bottom line is that more research is needed to determine the potential effects of coffee on fertility. In the meantime, limiting the amount of coffee you drink is best, especially if you’re trying to get pregnant. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day or less. It seems that coffee and fertility may not be a great combination, but it doesn’t appear to be a “make or break” in your fertility success. More research is needed to understand the potential effects better. It’s best to limit your coffee consumption if you’re trying to conceive!
