Drugs and Alcohol when TTC: A guide

Drugs and alcohol when trying to conceive

When you're planning to conceive, it's crucial to consider how lifestyle choices, particularly the use of drugs and alcohol, can impact your fertility and overall health.

Many women experience difficulties getting pregnant, and a significant factor can be poor egg quality.

Egg quality is one of the pillars for a healthy pregnancy (the other being sperm quality) and their health directly impacts the chances of conception, embryo development, and a successful birth.

Understanding the do's and dont’s, the consequences, and ways to avoid these substances can help you on your journey to parenthood.

In this blog, we'll explore exactly these aspects in detail.

Why avoid drugs and alcohol when trying to conceive?

Drugs and alcohol can significantly affect fertility in both men and women.

They can interfere with hormonal balance, impair reproductive function, and increase the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications.

Let's delve into the specific reasons and consequences of using these substances when trying to conceive.

1. Impact on women's fertility:

• Hormonal imbalance: Alcohol and drugs can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation issues.

• Egg quality: Substance abuse can reduce the quality and quantity of a woman's eggs, making conception more difficult.

• Increased miscarriage risk: Women who consume alcohol or use drugs are at a higher risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies.

• Birth defects: Exposure to drugs and alcohol during conception and early pregnancy can lead to congenital disabilities and developmental disorders in the baby.

  
  

2. Impact on men's fertility:

• Sperm quality: Alcohol and drug use can reduce sperm count, motility, and morphology, affecting sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.

• Hormonal effects: These substances can alter testosterone levels and impair sexual performance.

• Genetic damage: Drugs and alcohol can cause genetic damage to sperm, increasing the risk of birth defects and developmental issues in the offspring.

Do's and Don'ts when trying to conceive: A checklist

📝 Do's:

1. Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support reproductive health.

2. Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall well-being.

3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and support optimal bodily functions.

4. Take prenatal vitamins: Consider taking prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, to prepare your body for pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects.

   
   

📝 Don'ts:

1. Avoid alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol as it can disrupt hormonal balance and affect egg and sperm quality.

2. Say no to recreational drugs: Avoid using recreational drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, as they can harm your fertility and the health of your future baby.

3. Limit caffeine intake: Excessive caffeine consumption can negatively impact fertility. Limit your intake to one or two cups of coffee per day.

4. Avoid smoking: Smoking is harmful to both men’s and women’s fertility. It can damage eggs and sperm, reduce the chances of conception, and increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.

   
   

The verdict👩🏻‍⚖️

The scientific evidence is clear: drugs and alcohol can severely impact your ability to conceive and the health of your future child.

Avoiding these substances is essential for better reproductive health By making healthier choices, you increase your chances of conceiving and reduce the risk of complications.

How to avoid drugs and alcohol when trying to conceive

1. Seek support: If you struggle with substance use, seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or counselors who can help you quit.

2. Create a plan: Develop a plan to avoid situations where you might be tempted to use drugs or alcohol. This could include social settings or stressful environments.

3. Find alternatives: Replace drinking and drug use with healthier activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with supportive friends and family.

4. Educate yourself: Learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol on fertility and pregnancy. Understanding the risks can motivate you to make healthier choices.

How Arva can help

Knowing that drugs and alcohol can affect egg quality further is crucial. Arva’s at-home fertility test empowers you with valuable insights by measuring key hormones like AMH, which indicates your ovarian reserve and egg quantity.

Additionally, the test goes beyond basic hormones, providing a more comprehensive picture of your fertility health.

Arva also helps you connect with experienced gynaecologists across India. These consultations can delve deeper into your test results and explore options to improve your egg quality, including lifestyle modifications and potential medical interventions.

If you're considering egg freezing, Arva can guide you through the process, helping make your reproductive choice a reality.

You’ve got this❤️