Women who are trying to conceive should learn about caffeine and fertility

Most people start their day with a cup of coffee or two. Some of us even rely on an extra cup to help get through that afternoon slump. However, when you’re TTC, you may have heard that you should reduce your caffeine intake. Is there any truth to this? The Austin fertility specialists from Texas Fertility Center explain what you need to know about caffeine and fertility.

The facts about caffeine and fertility

We’ll start with the good news: You don’t have to give up your morning java. It appears that caffeine intake below 200 milligrams a day doesn’t affect female fertility. In case you’re wondering, 200 milligrams of caffeine translates to one or two six- to eight-ounce cups of coffee each day.

The bad news applies if you drink multiple cups of coffee every day or if you drink stronger caffeinated beverages like espresso. You will want to reduce your caffeine consumption to the recommended level to help improve your likelihood of conceiving.

We’ve discussed the relationship between caffeine and fertility in women, but what about the guys? It turns out moderation is also recommended in men. That’s because two to three cups of coffee a day can improve sperm motility (movement), while more than that can actually be detrimental. The moral of the story is that moderation is key.

Other lifestyle changes to improve fertility

You likely already know the steps you should be taking to help your physical and reproductive health. However, our Austin fertility specialists believe it’s worth repeating them more than once.

• Eat a nutritious diet that’s rich in leafy greens, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Take a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid in it.
• Reach and maintain a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range.
• Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming and yoga.

When combined with maintaining a reasonable caffeine intake, these lifestyle changes can help you maximize your odds of bringing home a healthy baby. And if you need a little extra help, our Austin fertility specialists have the treatments that help make parenthood possible. Contact us to learn more.