How Does Alcohol Affect Sperm and Male Fertility?
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
When it comes to fertility and alcohol, we usually think about women. Many of us know that drinking alcohol while pregnant can be incredibly risky, increasing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and fetal alcohol syndrome.
What’s less widely discussed, however, is how alcohol affects sperm and male fertility. Does alcohol affect sperm when trying to get pregnant? Does drinking heavily can lead to infertility and impotence in men? And does alcohol lower sperm count? Let’s find out!
Before we explore alcohol and male fertility, it’s helpful to look at the male reproductive system, which is specifically designed to produce, store, and transport sperm.
In order for men to produce sperm — a process referred to as “spermatogenesis” — three main hormones are needed: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone.
Both FSH and LH are made by our pituitary gland, located at the base of our brain. LH promotes testosterone production in the testicles, and FSH stimulates testicular growth and helps sperm mature. Testosterone, on the other hand, is made in our testicles and is responsible for developing and maintaining masculine characteristics (such as deeper voices and facial hair).
These three hormones — FSH, LH, and testosterone — work together to help our body continuously produce sperm. Changes in hormones due to the aging process or health conditions, such as diabetes and testicular disease, can prevent our body from producing as much sperm.
Now let’s look at what happens when alcohol is in the picture. First, let’s consider the relationship between alcohol and sperm count. Research suggests that alcohol can significantly affect sperm count, depending on how much we drink. While the occasional drink is unlikely to make a huge difference, research shows that regular alcohol consumption may lower men’s sperm count.
What’s the connection between alcohol and male fertility, especially when trying to conceive? And is it true that drinking heavily can lead to infertility and impotence in men?
Several studies have noted that female partners of men who drink heavily are less likely to become pregnant. This is because heavy, consistent drinking can destroy sperm-producing cells in the testicles, affecting the quality and number of sperm.
More specifically, research has found that heavy drinking affects fertility in these ways:
Along with affecting hormone levels, alcohol can also inhibit the function of the testes, preventing sperm from developing properly and reducing the sperm’s ability to move towards an egg. This happens because alcohol stops the liver from properly metabolizing vitamin A, which is needed for sperm development.
These effects are further exacerbated if we combine alcohol with drugs like marijuana or opioids. Additionally, studies show that liver disease caused by excessive drinking can also change sperm quality.
As noted above, the amount of alcohol we consume plays a role in how severely male fertility is affected. Habitual, excessive alcohol consumption has a detrimental impact on both the male reproductive hormones and semen quality. In fact, more than 14 mixed drinks in a week can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm count.
One study found that sperm count in men who consumed 40 units or more of alcohol per week (which translates to 24 beers, 15 mixed drinks, or 4-5 bottles of wine) were approximately 33% lower than those who drank between 1 and 5 units per week. Similarly, the size and shape of sperm — referred to as sperm morphology — was also altered in 51% of the heavy drinkers.
In general, the higher the number of weekly units of alcohol consumed, the lower the sperm quality. One study noted that while negative effects can be seen in men who drink five or more drinks a week, it’s most apparent in men who drink 25 units of alcohol — the equivalent of 15 pints of beer — or more each week.
The good news is that the effects of alcohol can be reversed by quitting drinking. One study showed that it took three months for the return of healthy sperm production once alcohol consumption stops.
Alongside the effects on hormone levels, sperm quality, and sperm quantity, alcohol can affect male fertility in several other ways:
In addition to reducing our alcohol intake, there are several other things we can do to produce healthy sperm and promote fertility. Here are some:
While the occasional drink here and there isn’t likely to affect male fertility, regular and heavy consumption of alcohol can lower testosterone levels, sperm count, and sperm quality. The more alcohol we drink, the more severe the effects.
Cutting back on alcohol is not only beneficial for our fertility, but our overall health and well-being. If you want to reduce your alcohol consumption, but don’t know where or how to start, Reframe can help.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.