The negative effects of chronic alcoholism on the reproductive system are well known, but recent studies have shown that even moderate alcohol use has adverse effects on fertility.
If you are trying to get pregnant, you should learn the range of adverse effects alcohol use can have:
- Infertility
- Impaired fetal growth and development
- Increased risk for spontaneous abortion
Alcoholism or alcohol abuse can also be associated with:
- anovulation (the absence of ovulation)
- hypothalmic-pituitary-ovarian dysfunction resulting in amenorrhea (absence of menses)
- luteal phase dysfunction (abnormal development of the endometrial lining)
- hyperprolactinemia (presence of abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood)
You should note that one beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink contains about one half ounce (15g) of alcohol.
We are talking about alcohol abuse if the daily consumption reaches four to six drinks or two or three ounces of alcohol (60 to 90g).
When trying to get pregnant, you should consider not drinking alcohol at all.
