Answer:

For healthy individuals, consuming a few alcoholic drinks per week generally does not cause severe effects. However, drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week, which is equivalent to about 5-6 cans of beer or 6 glasses of wine, can significantly impact fertility.

A sudden increase in blood alcohol concentration leads to oxidative stress as alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that directly attacks sperm cell membranes and DNA. This immediately reduces sperm motility. Alcohol also increases the permeability of the blood-testis barrier, allowing harmful substances to easily enter the sperm production site. Alcohol consumption can cause sperm abnormalities, resulting in damaged heads, coiled tails, or even missing tails. Such sperm cannot swim straight to reach the egg, leading to difficulties in conception.

Alcohol also disrupts hormone production in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis. This leads to a decrease in testosterone (male hormone) levels and an increase in estrogen (female hormone) levels. This hormonal imbalance directly affects sperm production.

After heavy alcohol consumption, blood testosterone levels can drop significantly, reducing libido and disrupting the process of sperm nourishment in the testes. Prolonged alcohol intake throughout the Tet week can halt spermatogenesis.

Alcohol can also cause sperm DNA fragmentation, which reduces the likelihood of conception and increases the risk of miscarriage for the wife or developmental problems in the fetus. As a central nervous system depressant, excessive alcohol use can lead to erectile dysfunction due to dilated blood vessels and nerve paralysis. It can also cause ejaculatory difficulties or retrograde ejaculation due to a loss of sympathetic nervous system control.

Excessive alcohol consumption during Tet can affect male fertility. Photo: Ngoc Pham

If your reproductive health is otherwise normal, there is no need for excessive concern. The effects of alcohol on sperm are not permanent, as a new sperm cycle takes approximately 64 to 74 days to produce.

Since you are planning to conceive after Tet, you should minimize alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure optimal sperm quality. During Tet, limit your intake to no more than two units of alcohol per day (equivalent to two cans of beer or two glasses of wine). Drink plenty of water to help the liver detoxify faster and reduce blood alcohol levels affecting the testes. Importantly, avoid drinking on an empty stomach. After Tet, cease or significantly reduce alcohol intake for at least three months before attempting conception to ensure the best possible sperm quality.

Doctor Nguyen Cong Minh

Fertility Support Center

Tam Anh General Hospital - District 8