How Does Alcohol Affect Sperm? The Link Between Drinking and Male Fertility

There’s a lot of information out there about how lifestyle affects fertility. But male fertility doesn’t always get as much attention as female fertility. If you and your partner are trying to get pregnant — or if you know you want kids in the future — you may be wondering about the quality of your sperm. And you may be wondering how certain factors like alcohol intake affect your sperm. 

So if you’re wondering whether you need to cut back on alcohol, keep reading. We cover how alcohol affects sperm, whether you need to avoid it, and other ways to improve male fertility.

How does alcohol affect sperm? 

Alcohol can affect sperm in several different ways by causing damage and inflammation in your body. This may lead to:

• Lower total sperm production

• Sperm with abnormal size and shape 

• Sperm with decreased motility, meaning they can’t “swim” as well 

• Less semen production, which is the fluid that carries the sperm

These factors may make it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg, which makes it more difficult to get pregnant. But how much alcohol you drink matters.

Should men avoid alcohol if trying to get pregnant? 

If you and your partner are trying to get pregnant, you don’t need to avoid alcohol completely. Occasional alcohol intake is unlikely to have a significant impact on male fertility. But heavy drinking can make it harder to get pregnant. 

So, how much is too much? 

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Before we dive into the research, let’s review what counts as a standard drink:

• 1.5 oz of spirits, brandy, or cognac

• 5 oz of wine 

• 8-10 oz of malt liquor or hard seltzer

• 12 oz of regular beer

It comes as no surprise that different studies have varying results on how much alcohol is safe versus harmful when it comes to sperm quality. Generally, most studies find that the more you drink, the bigger impact it has on sperm.

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One large study from Denmark noted that men who drank as little as 3 drinks per week (5 units of alcohol) had decreased sperm count and abnormal shape to their sperm. This effect was much more pronounced in men who consumed roughly 15 drinks per week. 

Another much larger study analyzed the results of many different studies. After they pooled the results, researchers found that men who drank more than 4 drinks per week produced less semen. They also had lower levels of sex hormones like testosterone.

A few studies have also looked at actual pregnancy outcomes rather than just sperm quality. One study of couples in China found an association between paternal alcohol consumption and increased risk for birth defects.

Another study found that men who drank more than 10 drinks during the week of conception had an increased risk of miscarriage. But it’s important to keep in mind that many factors influence pregnancy outcomes beyond sperm quality.

How do you know if you have a low sperm count? 

A semen analysis test can tell you if you have a low sperm count. And it measures more things than just your sperm count. This test can measure: 

• How much semen you make

• How many of the sperm you make are alive

• The shape of your sperm

• If your sperm are mobile

It also tests the pH of your semen. A low pH (more acidic) could mean there’s a blockage in the glands that produce semen. A high pH (more basic) may be a sign of an infection.

In order to perform the test, you will provide a semen sample. To do this, you can masturbate and collect the sample in the comfort of your own home. It’s recommended to drop the sample off at the lab within 1 hour of collection. And since there can be normal variations in your semen based on when you collect it, submitting two to three samples makes your results more accurate.

Are there any ways to improve male fertility? 

Alcohol isn’t the only lifestyle factor that impacts sperm count. It’s helpful to avoid:

• Smoking

• Anabolic steroids

• Marijuana, especially regular use

• Adult drug use, like cocaine or methamphetamine

Male fertility is also affected by stress, exercise, and diet. A well-balanced diet — rich in fiber, whole grains, and antioxidant foods — can help with male fertility. 

Examples of beneficial foods include:

• Fish and seafood

• Fruits and vegetables

• Nuts and seeds

• Lean meats

• Olive oil and canola oil

Try to limit foods high in trans and saturated fats, like:

• Red and processed meat

• Sweet drinks (like Coca-Cola and iced tea)

• Snacks (like cookies and potato chips)

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Cherilyn Davis, MD

Cherilyn Davis, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in New York City. She has held local and national roles at the American Medical Women’s Association including board member of the physician division and physician chair of social media.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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