Fertility effects alcohol

As with most alcohol effects, we know less about the chronic effects of alcohol on reproductive functioning in women. The little scientific information available suggests alcohol dependence in women is associated with dysfunction of the ovaries, disruption of the luteal pha.se of fertilization, and amenorrhea (cessation of the menstrual period) (Brands et al., 1998 Mello, 1987 Noicn-Hoeksema, 2004 USDHHS, 1990). A household survey suggests that a woman does not have to be diagnosed as having alcohol dependence to experience impaired sexual function related to alcohol use. A survey of more than 900 women living in households showed a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and the occurrence of dif ferent menstrual disorders (Wilsnack, Klasscn, Wilsnack, 1984). 

Both acute and chronic alcohol use can lead to impotency in men. Increased blood alcohol concentrations lead to decreased sexual arousal, increased ejaculatory latency, and decreased orgasmic pleasure. Additionally, many chronic alcoholics develop testicular atrophy and decreased fertility the mechanisms are complex and likely involve altered hypothalamic function and a direct toxic effect of alcohol on Leydig cells. Testosterone levels may be depressed, but many men who are alcohol-dependent have normal testosterone and estrogen levels. Gynecomastia is associated with alcoholic liver disease and is related to increased cellular response to estrogen and to accelerated metabolism of testosterone. 

No effects on implantation were observed in rats orally administered 100 mg/kg of petroleum ether, alcoholic, or aqueous extracts of celery on days 1 to 7 of pregnancy (Garg et al. 1970). No adverse effects on fertility were reported in rats orally administered 250 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of celery daily on days 1 to 7 of pregnancy (Sharma et al. 1983). 

OuGH, C.S. and A.A. Bell. 1980. Effects of nitrogen fertilization of grapevines on amino acids metabolism and higher-alcohol formation during grape juice fermentation. Am.J. Enol. Vitic. 31 122-123. 

A review of the possible effect of an unidentified factor or factors in wheat germ oil which may influence fertility again focuses attention on this long-studied material. Octacosanol, a 28 carbon straight chain saturated alcohol present in wheat germ oil may enchance fertility in some animal species. Further investigation is required. 

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