According to a 2023 World Health Organisation statement published in The Lancet, no level of alcohol is safe for our health. While maternal abstinence from drinking is strongly recommended in preconception and pregnancy, and moderation is advised while breastfeeding, dad’s drinking is perhaps less discussed. However, there is research that shows paternal drinking can negatively impact conception, as well as the maternal partner’s experience of pregnancy and his family’s experience of the postpartum period. As Unii advises on our Preconception course, led by Dr. Shree Datta, both partners need to make lifestyle changes to support a healthy conception and pregnancy, as well as to optimise the wellbeing of their future family. If you’re a man and you and your partner think you might start trying for a baby in six months, we wish you all the best and hope this article empowers you to make informed choices.

How much alcohol consumption affects male fertility?

According to the NHS, men shouldn’t drink more than three-to-four units a day or fourteen units a week when trying to conceive. A unit of alcohol in the UK equals just over one half-pint of beer. You can learn more about units and measures at drinkaware.co.uk. However, even this NHS guidance limit may be too much, as a 2023 meta-analysis of 40 studies found alcohol intake reduced semen volume during each ejaculation, antioxidants, and reproductive hormones in men who drank more than seven units per week, while more moderate drinkers (who downed fewer than seven units per week) saw no changes.

It’s worth noting that, just as with the female partner, maintaining a healthy BMI (between 19 and 30) and avoiding smoking and drugs while trying to conceive will also support healthy sperm production. You should ensure any chronic conditions that you have are well managed. Use of anabolic steroids and tight underwear are associated with sperm production problems and should be avoided when trying to conceive.

How soon before trying to conceive should I give up alcohol?

Both partners are advised to quit alcohol at least three months and ideally six months before trying to conceive. The conclusion of a 2019 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology recommends the six-month period to reduce the risk of congenital heart disease in babies, as the risk increases to 44% when a father is drinking three months before conception. This risk jumps to a 52% increase if he is a binge drinker. Binge drinking for men is defined by Drink Aware as more than eight units per session. Other studies suggest paternal drinking within three months prior to conception may increase the risk of behavioural and mental health problems in their children, as well as some physical birth defects in babies.

Quitting alcohol is harder for some people than others, especially if it’s a daily part of your professional and social lives. You can be proud of telling people that you are making this choice for the sake of your family. Alcohol and other drug use often has a genetic component. Up to 60% of alcohol use disorders may be attributed to genes. Not everyone who enjoys a drink has a disorder. However, if you need help to quit, not only are you not alone, but the tools you develop to do this may be able to help your relatives in the future, including your own children.

How can paternal drinking affect a pregnancy?

The way your drinking affects your wife’s pregnancy will depend on how it affects your ability to be present with and supportive of her. Each mum is unique, as is every pregnancy, and you should be led by what she needs. She may be fine with you enjoying the odd drink. However, consider that she won’t be drinking, as the international recommendation is that women abstain from alcohol in pregnancy to avoid birth defects, premature birth, and a range of other problems, and that it’s nice if you both to do what's best for your health as well as that of your family.

How can paternal drinking affect the postpartum period?

Research shows that alcohol negatively affects postpartum bonding between fathers and babies. As during pregnancy, it can affect your ability to be present with and support your partner as she recovers from birth and breastfeeds your baby, if she chooses to do so. It also affects your resilience and ability to take care of yourself. Men can experience postpartum anxiety and depression, as well as other problems coping after the birth of a child. Alcohol can contribute to or exacerbate any form of anxiety or depression. It is never selfish to seek help, whether it is to quit alcohol or for your emotional or mental health. You cannot take care of your family without looking after yourself first.

For more information on taking care of yourself as a father while trying to conceive, check out Unii’s Preconception Journey with Dr. Shree Datta.

How can a dad's drinking affect preconception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period?

Alcohol can significantly impact male fertility, as well as the maternal partner's pregnancy and the postpartum period.