Can Alcohol Affect Fertility in Women? What the Research Says
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Alcohol consumption is common. It is highly normalized in society, particularly in social settings or celebrations. This behaviour persists despite international health organizations classifying alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, where “no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health” (WHO, 2023).
As a member of the SHEA Lab, I have been able to expand my knowledge surrounding alcohol use influences, risk factors, and policies. This prompted my initial interest in understanding the relationship between alcohol and reproductive functioning, as I am deeply passionate about women’s health.
When people think about the risks associated with alcohol, they may consider cardiovascular problems, liver disease, or increased cancer risk. However, there are additional impacts that are less commonly recognized, including potential implications for fertility. While research in this area is growing, it remains less understood than other alcohol-related health outcomes, prompting the question: What have studies uncovered about the relationship between alcohol consumption and fertility success up to this point?
A 2013 study by Li et al. analyzed the effect of alcohol on ovarian reserve. This refers to a woman’s quality and quantity of remaining eggs available for reproduction. While ovarian reserve decreases naturally with age, some women experience premature decline. This is called diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Its consequences may include infertility or impaired fertility potential (Li et al., 2013).
In the context of alcohol consumption, Li et al. (2013) found that it significantly increased follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), while reducing ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC). These measures are often used to analyze ovarian reserve. Raised FSH levels, which regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulate follicle development, may indicate DOR because the ovaries become less responsive, requiring the body to produce more FSH to support follicular growth. Similarly, reduced ovarian volume is significant because smaller ovaries are often associated with DOR, reduced reproductive potential, and fewer remaining follicles. Lastly, a lower AFC has been linked to reduced egg supply and recruitable follicles, as well as possible premature ovarian aging. Therefore, these findings suggest that alcohol consumption may be associated with indicators of DOR and could have implications for fertility, although this outcome was not directly measured in the study (Li et al., 2013).
Overall, evidence is still evolving. However, understanding the possible relationship between fertility and alcohol consumption can help women make informed decisions when planning a pregnancy. While fertility is often discussed only after challenges arise, considering alcohol consumption and other lifestyle factors beforehand may support pre-conception health.
Written by Alexa Archer
References
Li, N., Fu, S., Zhu, F., Deng, X., & Shi, X. (2013). Alcohol intake induces diminished ovarian reserve in childbearing age women. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 39(2), 516–521. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2012.01992.x
G, A. (2023, September 13). Alcohol and fertility: Exploring the impact on conception!. Fertility First IVF Centre. https://fertilityfirstivf.com/alcohol-and-fertility-what-you-need-to-know/
World Health Organization. (2026). No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health
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