Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on male fertility. Heavy drinking can reduce sperm production by:
- Lowering testosterone levels
- Raising estrogen levels
- Shrinking the testes
- Changing gonadotropin release
- Inhibiting the function of the testes
The alcohol consumption can reduce sperm count and quality. Heavy drinking is particularly harmful.
Alcohol can affect sperm count and quality, but the effects are reversible. One study found that it took three months for healthy sperm production to return after stopping alcohol consumption. The sperm cycle is around 74 days, so you should expect to see an improvement in any alcohol-related fertility concerns after about three months of drinking less.
Alcohol can have a toxic effect on the testes, which can lead to:
- Decreased seminiferous tubular function
- Delayed seminal fluid liquefaction
- Low sperm motility
Daily alcohol consumption can also decrease normal sperm morphology. However, there is no evidence that an occasional alcoholic drink, such as one or two standard drinks a week, will affect sperm health.