The Impact of Alcohol and Fertility: What the Research Says
If you’ve ever wondered whether a glass of wine is okay while you’re trying to get pregnant or going through IVF, you’re not alone. Many women I work with ask this exact question, especially when faced with mixed advice from friends, forums, or even healthcare providers.
Some say, “One glass is fine,” while others insist on total abstinence. So what does the science say?
In this blog, we’ll break down the research so you can make the most informed choice for your fertility journey.
1. Does Light Drinking Affect IVF?
A 2021 study looked at young women under 30 undergoing IVF and compared 20 social drinkers to 36 non-drinkers. The results?
The number of follicles and mature eggs retrieved during IVF was similar between groups. On the surface, it appeared that light alcohol consumption didn’t significantly affect egg quality or number during ovarian stimulation in this younger group.
But here’s the catch. The same study noted that alcohol may still impact implantation and early pregnancy success, which means even if your egg count looks okay, alcohol could still interfere later in the process.
2. The More You Drink, the Greater the Risk
A much larger 2022 study of 752 women undergoing ICSI treatment examined lifestyle habits in more detail. It found that higher alcohol intake was associated with poorer IVF outcomes, including fewer mature eggs and lower fertilisation rates.
Even outside of IVF, another study of nearly 100,000 women found:
- Light drinking reduced the chances of conception by 11%
- Moderate to heavy drinking reduced it by 23%
- The type of alcohol didn’t matter. Wine, beer, or spirits all had similar effects.
3. Even Short-Term Alcohol Use Can Affect Egg Health
A 2017 animal trial found that short-term alcohol exposure (just 1–4 days) boosted egg metabolism. However, by day 5–6, that benefit disappeared and was replaced by measurable harm:
- Egg quality declined
- Oxidative stress increased
- Gene expression became disrupted.
This suggests that even brief alcohol exposure may have complex fertility impact. While it might not show immediate damage, longer or repeated use can impair reproductive function at a cellular level.
4. Alcohol and Early Pregnancy Risk: Why Timing Matters
The latest 2025 Australian study estimated that up to 1 in 28 children may be affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)—a condition caused by alcohol exposure in very early pregnancy, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant.
FASD is:
- 100% preventable
- Linked to learning and behavioural difficulties
- Caused by alcohol during the first few weeks of development, before most women realise they’re pregnant
That’s why the safest recommendation is this. If you’re actively trying to conceive, the best time to stop drinking is now.
Helpful Tips to Cut Back Without Stress
If you’re not ready to tell people you’re trying, here are a few ideas:
- “I’m the designated driver tonight.”
- “I’ve got a big day tomorrow—no thanks.”
- “I’m not drinking at the moment.”
And some fun non-alcoholic alternatives to enjoy:
- Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry and fresh lime
- Fruit juice + mint + soda water mocktail
- Non-alcoholic wines or beers are now widely available
Bottom Line
To sum up, here’s what the science says:
- Even light alcohol use can reduce your chances of getting pregnant
- Frequent drinking is linked to worse IVF outcomes
- Alcohol during early pregnancy increases the risk of FASD
- The safest option when trying to conceive is to go alcohol-free
If you’re on a fertility journey, know that you’re not alone, and small changes like avoiding alcohol can make a meaningful difference.
For more support, check out our free fertility quiz and find out how fertility-friendly your diet and lifestyle are in just 2 minutes.
