The utilization of in-vitro fertilization and
other such techniques such as GIFT (gamete-intrafallopian transfer) have exploded since the 1980s. There are approximately 335 programs in the US, over 51,344 cycles performed each year. Fortunately, though these procedures can be expensive, the success rates range around 30%. However, new evidence released by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine reveal some disturbing correlations between alcohol consumption and IVF rates.

According to the February issue of Fertility and Sterility,  over 221 couples with diagnosed female infertility revealed several trends in patients who had an average of 1 drink per day (approx 12grams) up to one month prior to IVF or GIFT:

1. Decreased production of eggs in IVF by 13%. This number was further decreased by 2-23% with each additional serving of alcohol per day.

2. Decreased fertilization of eggs by 2.28%

3. Increased miscarriage rate by 4.49%.

4. For male partners who drank an average of 1 beer/day, the miscarriage rate increased eight-fold.

5. Aspiration of eggs from the retrieval process diminished by 13%.

6. Fetal alcohol syndrome, is a notorious constellation of birth problems for a baby when the mother drinks up to 3 drinks/week during the first trimester. These changes include low birth weight, mental retardation, respiratory difficulties, and developmental disorders.

HIS drinking patterns can cause HER to miscarry

According to the discussion and analysis of the studies, there is a statistically positive correlation between a woman’s spontaneous abortion rate and the father’s drinking patterns. For men who drink 1 serving of beer up to 1 month or a week before sperm collection for the procedure, the risk of miscarriage increases up  thirty-eight times!

The studies being conducted only confirms one very fundamental truth: fertility is a couples issue. Couples wishing to conceive either in vivo or in vitro (naturally or by artificial means) must consider the entire health of both parties, and not just the female or male alone. Too often infertility is diagnosed as male factor (33% of all causes) or female factor, causing one side to point fingers to the other. Hopefully, further research will elucidate the mechanisms responsible for fertility so that we may better understand this complex and beautiful process. But for the time being, education and lifestyle changes are the most useful tools couples can provide for themselves.

For further research: www.asrm.org (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)