Find out what you need to know about caffeine and fertility when you’re trying to conceive

As soon as you start thinking about trying to conceive (TTC), it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the advice out there. You might hear a family member tell you one thing and then see something different when you check Dr. Google. This is especially true when it comes to caffeine and fertility. Erika Munch MD, our San Antonio fertility doctor, is here to explain what you need to know about your caffeine intake.

Is there a link between caffeine and fertility issues?

The short answer to this question is that it depends on a woman’s daily caffeine intake. Research suggests that drinking less than 200 milligrams of caffeine each day doesn’t affect female fertility. This means you should be fine to drink one or two six- to eight-ounce cups of java a day. However, if you’re drinking drinks like espresso with more caffeine, you’ll want to reduce your caffeine intake.

Many people also want to know how caffeine affects the reproductive potential of a man. Our San Antonio fertility doctor offers similar advice for male partners. Sticking to two or three cups of coffee a day isn’t typically a problem for men. In fact, it may actually improve sperm motility (movement). It is possible to have too much of a good thing though, as men with a higher caffeine intake than the recommended amount tend to have impaired fertility.

The moral of the story for both men and women is to drink caffeine in moderation.

What are some other tips to enhance natural fertility?

Now that you understand the link between caffeine and fertility, it’s helpful to talk about a few other lifestyle changes that can support fertility.

• Eat a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, leafy greens and complex carbohydrates.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine to maintain a healthy weight.
• Start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg folic acid.

If you need a little extra help conceiving even after adopting tips for a healthy lifestyle, our San Antonio fertility doctor can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Munch and learn more about the treatments that make parenthood possible.