When you're trying to conceive, questions about alcohol often come with conflicting advice. Some sources say complete abstinence is essential; others suggest moderate drinking is fine. The reality, as with many things in reproductive health, lies somewhere in the nuance.
Here's what the research actually tells us—so you can make an informed decision that works for your life and your fertility goals.
Light drinking (under 7 drinks per week) hasn't been consistently shown to reduce fertility. However, heavy drinking (14+ drinks/week) clearly affects both partners' fertility. Once pregnant, no alcohol is considered safe. Many couples choose to limit or avoid alcohol during the two-week wait.
What the Research Shows
Studies on alcohol and fertility have produced mixed results, which is why recommendations vary. Here's what the evidence generally supports:
- Light drinking (1-6 drinks/week): Most studies show no significant impact on time to pregnancy
- Moderate drinking (7-13 drinks/week): Some studies show slightly longer time to pregnancy; others show no effect
- Heavy drinking (14+ drinks/week): Consistently associated with reduced fertility and longer time to pregnancy
- Binge drinking: Associated with ovulation disruption and reduced fertility regardless of total weekly intake
The Numbers in Context
A large Danish study of over 6,000 women found that those consuming 14 or more drinks per week were 18% less likely to conceive in any given cycle compared to non-drinkers. For those drinking 1-6 drinks per week, there was no significant difference from non-drinkers.
Another study found that women who drank 7 or more drinks per week had a longer time to pregnancy, but those drinking less than 7 per week did not differ significantly from abstainers.
| Weekly Intake | Effect on Female Fertility | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0 drinks | Baseline | None |
| 1-6 drinks | No consistent effect in studies | Low/None |
| 7-13 drinks | Mixed evidence; some studies show modest effect | Moderate |
| 14+ drinks | Reduced fertility; longer time to pregnancy | High |
| Binge drinking (4+ in one sitting) | May disrupt ovulation even if weekly total is low | High |
How Alcohol Affects Fertility
👩 Effects on Female Fertility
- Hormone disruption: Heavy drinking can affect estrogen and progesterone levels
- Ovulation issues: May cause irregular cycles or anovulation
- Egg quality: High alcohol intake associated with oxidative stress
- Implantation: May affect uterine lining receptivity
- Early pregnancy: Increased miscarriage risk with heavy drinking
👨 Effects on Male Fertility
- Sperm production: Heavy drinking reduces testosterone and sperm count
- Sperm quality: Associated with decreased motility and abnormal morphology
- Erectile function: Alcohol affects sexual performance
- Recovery time: Sperm takes ~3 months to develop; changes take time
- Moderate drinking: Generally doesn't significantly affect sperm parameters
The Two-Week Wait Question
One of the most common questions is whether to drink during the two-week wait—the time between ovulation and when you can take a pregnancy test. This is where recommendations get more conservative.
During the two-week wait, you might be pregnant but don't know it yet. While very early embryos have minimal alcohol exposure (they don't share your blood supply until implantation), many women prefer to avoid alcohol during this time for peace of mind.
There's no evidence that light drinking in the very early days—before implantation—causes harm. However, once implantation occurs (around 6-10 days post-ovulation), the developing embryo begins sharing your blood supply.
The "drink til it's pink" approach (drinking until you get a positive test) is common, but the more cautious approach is to treat yourself as potentially pregnant during the two-week wait. Both approaches are reasonable depending on your risk tolerance and how long you've been trying.
Different Phases: What to Consider
(Period through ovulation)
If you're going to drink, this is the "safest" phase. You're not yet pregnant, and eggs are developing inside follicles. Light drinking unlikely to cause harm.
(~5 days before through ovulation)
Heavy drinking around conception time may affect hormone levels needed for ovulation. Most couples don't avoid alcohol entirely but keep it moderate.
(Ovulation through period/positive test)
You might be pregnant. Some women abstain; others have occasional light drinks. No evidence of harm in very early days, but caution is reasonable.
(Positive test onward)
No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. Stop drinking as soon as you know you're pregnant.
IVF and Fertility Treatments
If you're undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments, the research suggests being more cautious:
- One study found that women who drank 4+ drinks per week before IVF had 16% lower live birth rates
- Male alcohol consumption before IVF was associated with lower fertilization rates in some studies
- Most fertility clinics recommend limiting or avoiding alcohol during treatment cycles
Given the significant investment of time, money, and emotion in fertility treatments, most couples choose to abstain during treatment cycles. Follow your clinic's specific recommendations.
What "One Drink" Actually Means
When studies refer to "drinks," they mean standard drinks, which are smaller than many people realize:
- Wine: 5 oz (150ml) — about half a typical restaurant pour
- Beer: 12 oz (355ml) — one standard bottle or can
- Spirits: 1.5 oz (44ml) — one shot
A large glass of wine at a restaurant is often 8-10 oz—nearly two "drinks." A strong cocktail might be 2-3 drinks. Keep this in mind when counting your actual intake.
Practical Approaches
Option 1: Complete Abstinence
Some couples choose to avoid alcohol entirely while TTC. This eliminates any uncertainty and simplifies decision-making. It's the most conservative approach and the one recommended by some health organizations.
Best for: Those with a history of alcohol concerns, anyone who finds the ambiguity stressful, couples undergoing fertility treatments, those who've been trying for a long time.
Option 2: Cycle-Based Approach
Allow light drinking during the follicular phase (period through ovulation) and abstain during the two-week wait. This balances social enjoyment with caution during potential early pregnancy.
Best for: Those who want to maintain some normalcy while being cautious, couples who enjoy occasional social drinking.
Option 3: Light Moderation Throughout
Keep drinking to 1-2 drinks per week maximum, avoiding it during the two-week wait. This approach aligns with research showing no significant fertility impact at low levels.
Best for: Those who find complete abstinence adds unnecessary stress, couples early in their TTC journey.
When to Be More Careful
Consider being stricter about alcohol if:
- You've been trying for over 6 months without success
- You have known fertility issues (PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles)
- You're over 35 and want to optimize every factor
- You're undergoing fertility treatments
- You have a history of miscarriage
- Your partner has known sperm quality issues
Don't Forget: Male Alcohol Use Matters
While most discussions focus on female drinking, male alcohol consumption also affects fertility:
- Heavy drinking (14+ drinks/week) significantly impacts sperm quality
- Effects on sperm can persist for months after reducing intake
- Men's sperm takes ~74 days to develop, so cutting back 2-3 months before TTC is ideal
- Moderate drinking (under 14 drinks/week) generally doesn't significantly affect sperm parameters
Optimize Your Fertility Lifestyle
Alcohol is just one piece of the puzzle. Learn about all the lifestyle factors that affect conception.
Read: The Fertility DietThe Bottom Line
Research doesn't support the idea that you must be completely sober to conceive. Light drinking (under 7 drinks per week) hasn't been consistently shown to reduce fertility, and many women conceive without issue while having occasional drinks.
However, heavy drinking clearly affects fertility for both partners, and binge drinking can disrupt ovulation even if your total weekly intake is moderate. Once pregnant, no amount of alcohol is considered safe.
The most reasonable approach for most couples: limit alcohol while trying to conceive, avoid heavy drinking and binge drinking entirely, consider abstaining during the two-week wait for peace of mind, and stop completely once you know you're pregnant.
If you're struggling to conceive or undergoing fertility treatments, being more conservative about alcohol is a reasonable way to optimize your chances. But don't add stress by being excessively rigid about an occasional drink—stress itself can affect fertility, and balance matters.