The Evidence for Women
A 2016 Danish study of 6,120 women found that those consuming 1–6 drinks per week had no measurable reduction in fertility compared to non-drinkers. However, women consuming 7–13 drinks per week had a 7% reduction in fecundability (monthly probability of conception), and 14+ drinks showed an 18% reduction.
A 2021 meta-analysis in Human Reproduction Update reviewing 19 studies found that moderate alcohol intake (up to 7 drinks/week) had no significant impact on fertility. Heavy drinking (14+/week) was consistently associated with reduced fertility, longer time to pregnancy, and higher miscarriage risk.
Moderate (≤7 drinks/week): No consistent evidence of harm to fertility. Heavy (14+/week): Clear evidence of reduced fertility. During the TWW: Many practitioners recommend abstaining as a precaution, since alcohol exposure during the implantation window is theoretically risky. The “drink till it’s pink” approach (normal drinking until a positive test) is common and generally considered acceptable by most REs.
The Evidence for Men
Male fertility is more sensitive to alcohol than female. A 2014 BMJ Open study of 1,221 Danish men found that even moderate drinking (5+ drinks/week) was associated with reduced sperm quality, with the effect becoming significant at 10+ drinks weekly. Binge drinking (5+ drinks on one occasion) appears particularly harmful to sperm DNA integrity.
Summer Alternatives
If you want to reduce or eliminate alcohol without making it obvious (because “why aren’t you drinking?” is the question every TTC person dreads):
- Athletic Brewing: The best non-alcoholic craft beer. Multiple styles, genuinely good. Athletic Brewing on Amazon →
- Seedlip: Non-alcoholic spirit for cocktail-style drinks. Mix with tonic and a garnish.
- Kombucha: Fermented, flavorful, and contains trace probiotics. Under 0.5% ABV.
- Sparkling water + fruit: The simplest option. Add muddled berries, citrus, and mint to sparkling water in a wine glass. Nobody notices.