Say “No” to Drugs & Alcohol:
Our fertility specialists recommend that you take a – better safe than sorry – approach and abstain from the consumption of alcohol and drug use during fertility treatment.
Alcohol and drugs like marijuana have no place in your fertility treatment protocol. Most patients become self-aware of alcohol consumption and marijuana use when they are trying to get pregnant. Drinking and drug use should never be excessive or sustained – regardless of whether or not you are trying to get pregnant.
Drinking Alcohol & Fertility:
Heavy consumption of alcohol has harmful ramifications on all aspects of one’s health – liver function and inflammation. Mental health is also affected by alcohol use.
According to the National Institute of Health, exposure to alcohol during pregnancy presents a risk of fetal loss and stillbirth. It is advised that women avoid alcohol when trying to get pregnant.
Women & Alcohol:
Excessive drinking can make conceiving a baby take a lot longer because it can make periods heavier and ovulation more irregular. Some studies suggest that heavy drinking can lead to a low ovarian reserve, which means fewer eggs.
Men & Alcohol:
Drinking heavily can cause hormone shifts that lead to lower sperm counts and lower testosterone for men. Lower testosterone is also associated with a lower sex drive and a low sex drive correlates with less intercourse and reduced chances of pregnancy.
Drugs & Fertility:
The use of recreational drugs can reduce the chances of pregnancy for both men and women.
Taking cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, and other recreational drugs can ultimately reduce the chance of having a baby. Long-term use of these recreational drugs can cause infertility or even permanent damage to the reproductive system for both men and women.
Recreational drugs can also cause serious problems in pregnancy, as all drugs pass through the bloodstream and can directly cause harm to the baby. For men, recreational drugs can lower their sperm count or stop the production of sperm altogether.
You must be proactive about increasing your fertility health by making strategic recreational drinking and drug-use decisions when you are trying to get pregnant – both short and long-term.
Why New Hope?
New Hope Fertility Center is home to world-renowned fertility specialists. We custom-design fertility treatments for the individual to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. Our team is well-versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals and we are passionate about educating and supporting our patients throughout their journey. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (347) 970-8479 or schedule your initial consultation today!