Effects of alcohol consumption on the incidence of live births in Danish couples undergoing assisted reproduction

This study examined the alcohol consumption of females and males prior to undergoing assisted reproduction, to determine if it negatively impacted the chances of a live birth. This study did not reveal any association between alcohol consumption and the likelihood of achieving a live birth following assisted reproduction. 

Infertility is a growing health issue for many couples. Alcohol consumption has been shown to affect fertility in both men and women. Studies have shown a considerable proportion of women undergoing fertility treatment continue to drink before and during the process. The effects of alcohol consumption on the success of fertility treatment, i.e. a live, healthy birth, has not been investigated thus far. 

12,981 Danish couples undergoing assisted reproduction were assessed during this study. Information on alcohol consumption was obtained before each fertility treatment cycle. Consumption was categorized as follows: non-consumer (0 drinks/week), light (1-2 drink(s)/week), moderate (3-7 drinks/week for women, 3-14 drinks/week for men), and heavy consumer (>7 drinks/week for women and >14 drinks/week for men). The outcome of fertility treatment, i.e. live birth, was obtained from the Danish Medical Birth registry.

In this cohort, 6697 live births were recorded. 22.4% and 20.4% of treatment cycles resulted in a live birth in female abstainers and heavy consumers, respectively. Female alcohol consumption was not associated with a lower risk of achieving a live birth in any consumption group compared to abstainers. Male alcohol consumption was also not associated with the odds of achieving a live birth. 

This study concluded that female and/or male alcohol consumption did not affect the success of assisted reproduction. 

Alcohol consumption is self-reported and is subject to bias or inconsistency. Consumption was not measured during the pregnancy, only prior to IVF cycle initiation.  

Although this study did not identify an association between alcohol and fertility outcomes, you should discuss all lifestyle habits with your physician if you are considering fertility treatment.