Trying to get pregnant, but no luck? Alcohol might be to blame

The harmful aftereffects of alcohol have been widely proven and studied. Consuming alcohol may be especially problematic for people who are trying to conceive, finds a new study.

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Researchers in the US have found associations between drinking alcohol and the chances of becoming pregnant. Publishing in Human Reproduction, the study claims that alcohol intake and fecundability, which is defined as the probability of conceiving during a single menstrual cycle are closely linked.

Assessing self-reported data from 313 women collected over 19 menstrual cycles, the team found that heavy and moderate alcohol consumption during any phase of the cycle was substantially linked to a reduced probability of conception compared to non-drinkers. Heavy drinking during the ovulatory part of the cycle reduced the odds of pregnancy by as much as 61 per cent.

For the purpose of this research, heavy drinking was defined as more than six alcoholic drinks a week, while moderate drinking was measured as three to six drinks in a week.

The researchers cautioned that the findings must not be misconstrued to look at alcohol as a birth control option. Drinking heavily or not, if someone has unprotected intercourse, pregnancy is always a possibility.

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