Moderate drinking ‘may not affect women’s fertility’

New research has indicated that moderate levels of drinking may not have the negative impact on women's fertility that was previously assumed.

Published in the British Medical Journal, the study analysed data from 6,120 female Danish residents aged 21 to 45 years who were trying to conceive and not receiving fertility treatment between June 2007 and January 2016.

It was found that women who drank 14 or more servings of alcohol a week were slightly more likely to have reduced fertility, but a low-to-moderate intake – defined as one to seven servings a week – seemed to have no effect, nor did the type of alcoholic beverage consumed.

The research provides evidence that total abstinence may not be necessary to maximise conception rates and that a low level of drinking may not negatively impact fertility. Nevertheless, it was still recommend for couples to abstain from alcohol during their fertile window until a pregnancy is ruled out.

In an accompanying editorial, Annie Britton from University College London said: "It would be wise to avoid binge drinking, both for the potential disruption to menstrual cycles and also for the potential harm to a baby during early pregnancy."

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