Analysis suggests moderate consumption of alcohol, but not caffeine, by men and women undergoing fertility treatment can affect outcomes.
The effect of alcohol and caffeine consumption by men and women on pregnancy and live birth rates following IVF and ICSI have been unclear for some time, with mixed results from a number studies. However, a new meta-analysis brings together the data from twelve studies on caffeine and fourteen on alcohol consumption, comprising 26,922 women and their partners, providing insights into their effects on the treatments.
'Couples should be aware that some modifiable lifestyle factors such as drinking habits may affect their fertility treatment outcomes,' said corresponding author Dr Yufeng Li from Tongji Hospital, China. 'But how these factors impact the reproductive system still needs more research to elucidate.'
According to the authors' analysis, alcohol consumption was associated with a decrease in pregnancy rate and live birth rate from fertility treatment. The analysis showed that consuming more than 84g of alcohol per week; roughly eight to ten units, reduced pregnancy by seven percent when consumed maternally and live birth rate by nine percent when consumed paternally.
The researchers, publishing their findings in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, concluded that caffeine consumption has no effect on conception rate or live birth rate in those undergoing fertility treatment. However, they noted that one of the included studies alone did report significant effects of caffeine on treatment outcomes, leaving questions for further research.
Commenting on the study, Dr Marcy Maguire, a reproductive endocrinologist from New Jersey told Medical News Today: 'While we are certain that alcoholism negatively impacts fetal development, it is less clear whether alcohol impacts fertility. Low (one to two drinks per week) and moderate (three to 13 drinks per week) alcohol intake likely have little impact on fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption (14 drinks per week or more) has been associated with decreased fertility in men and women. Men who drink excessively may have low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction. High levels of alcohol intake are also associated with low sperm count.'
Sources and References
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The association between caffeine and alcohol consumption and IVF/ICSI outcomes: A systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
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Study evaluates link between caffeine, alcohol consumption and fertility treatment outcomes
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Alcohol may affect fertility treatment success, but caffeine appears safe
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New research shows fertility treatment success depends on both parents’ intake of alcohol but coffee appears to be OK
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Coffee intake has 'no apparent effect' on IVF outcomes: Study
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