How Does Smoking or Drinking Affect Fertility?

I'm sure you're already aware that drinking and smoking are big no-no's when you're trying to get pregnant.  But is just one glass of wine after work a problem?

A recent research study that looked at the effect of lifestyle and fertility found that drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a week significantly lowered a woman's chance of pregnancy, specifically if the woman already is having trouble conceiving.

Also, according to the March of Dimes, no amount of alcohol has been proven to be 100% safe in pregnancy. To be on the safe side, you should avoid drinking while you are trying to get pregnant. 

What about your partner? Drinking has also been linked to lower fertility rates in men, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage. According to one study, which evaluated the effect of alcoholic consumption on IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) success, for every additional drink the man consumed, the risk of conception not leading to a live birth increased by 2 to 8 times. This was true for beer drinking as well.  Not only should you avoid alcoholic drinks, your partner should also abandon alcohol.

If either of you are smokers, be aware that smoking has a strong impact on your fertility. When either partner smokes, you are lowering your fertility, increasing the risk of miscarriage, and putting your unborn baby's health at risk. Before you continue with trying to get pregnant, please try to quit smoking first. 

Freelance Contributor: Crystel Cortez

References:
Smoking and Reproductive Life, by the BMA's board of Science and Tobacco Control Resource Centre
Stephen EH, Chandra A. Updated projections of infertility in the United States: 1995-2025. Fertil Steril. 1998 Jul;70(1):30-4.