Link Between Caffeine and Fertility Unclear

For many women, cutting down on caffeine when trying to get pregnant is something that is done as a matter of course. Doctors routinely tell expectant mothers to cut down on their caffeine intake. According to About.com, The March of Dimes recommends that mothers-to-be cut down on their caffeine to no more than 200 mg per day. But what is the actual connection between caffeine and getting pregnant?

According to one website called UptoDate (a trusted reference source for doctors and patients) approximately 20 per cent of adult Americans consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. Some studies have reported that large amounts of caffeine usage (greater than 300 mg per day) is associated with a modest but still significant decrease in fertility. Other studies have found no effect. The web site goes on to say that the "mechanism by which caffeine consumption affects fertility is unclear." Some studies have found a link between caffeine consumption and such things as estrogen production and tubal factor infertility. The study in question concludes by saying "There is no strong evidence that caffeine consumption by the male partner influences fertility."

There are other issues to consider as well, according to About.com. So far the current research is unclear as to whether it is the caffeine that is the culprit (if indeed it is) or whether there are some other factors at work. For example, many women who drink a lot of caffeine tend also to drink alcohol and may smoke as well. Also, no one is quite sure whether it is the caffeine in coffee, tea or soda or some other ingredient that is at work.

All this may be of little help to those wishing to get pregnant. My best recommendation is that if you are having difficulty conceiving, cutting down on caffeine may help. And if you are already pregnant, cutting down or eliminating caffeine may be the best option.