Caffeine and Fertility Treatment

Do caffeine and fertility treatment mix?

Woman sitting with a glass of water in her hands

Coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks are eye-openers that many of us depend upon to get through the day. But couples who are trying to conceive may wish to cut the caffeine, as years of research support the idea that caffeine and fertility treatment aren’t a great mix.

The perks of giving up coffee: caffeine and fertility treatment

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which is why so many people reach for a cup of joe first thing in the morning. But, it also causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and can affect metabolism and increase urine output. None of these are healthy during pregnancy, so if having a baby is your goal, the less caffeine, the better.

Many scientists have looked into the effects of caffeine on pregnancy and fertility, and the overwhelming consensus is that mixing caffeine and fertility treatment is best avoided.

  • In one study of in vitro fertilization (IVF) couples, when the man consumed three or more 8-ounce cups of coffee a day, couples were half as likely to get pregnant as when the man drank less than one cup of coffee a day.
  • In another study, when either partner had three or more cups of caffeinated drinks daily before pregnancy, couples were almost twice as likely to suffer an early miscarriage.
  • The same study found an increased miscarriage risk for women who drank more caffeine while pregnant.
  • In another IVF study, women who consumed just 50 mg of caffeine a day were more likely to have lower live birth rates.

Scientists aren’t sure why caffeine consumption might affect fertility, but animal studies indicate that it may inhibit egg maturation. Caffeine may also be metabolized differently during pregnancy, and it can cross the placenta and may affect a growing baby.

If you’re not sure, ask

Because quitting cold-turkey can cause headaches, our Los Angeles fertility specialist recommends that both partners gradually cut back caffeine intake before starting fertility treatment. There’s no “minimum safe amount” of caffeine during pregnancy and fertility treatment, so be sure to ask your fertility specialist or obgyn if you’re unsure how much caffeine is too much.

To learn more about caffeine and fertility treatment, or to schedule an appointment with a Los Angeles fertility specialist, contact us today.