Fathers’ alcohol consumption increases the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and that is why they should abstain from drinking for at least three months before conceiving a child.
- The father’s alcohol consumption before conception can have a negative effect on the developing fetus. This increases the risks of fetal alcohol syndrome or the success of IVF.
- A new study shows that the effects of alcohol on sperm persist for several weeks after withdrawal.
- Thus the main author advises men who wish to have a child to abstain from drinking alcohol three months before conception.
One of the first recommendations given to women who are pregnant or wishing to have a child is to stop drinking alcohol. Fathers’ consumption is little or not taken into account by health professionals. And this is an error according to the work of Dr. Michael Golding from Texas A&M University. “Over the last five to eight years, we’ve started to notice that there are certain conditions where there is a very strong paternal influence when it comes to alcohol exposure and fetal development.”explains the researcher in a press release from its establishment.
His latest study shows that the effects of alcohol consumption on sperm quality persist longer than previously thought. THE “back to normal” would take more than a month.
Alcohol and semen: quality still diminished after a month of weaning
More early this year, Dr. Michael Golding and his team had demonstrated that the father’s alcohol consumption habits before conception could disrupt the development of the fetus. The lower quality of the sperm had an impact on the development of the placenta, the cerebral and facial anomalies associated with fetal alcohol syndrome or even the success of a IVF.
When alcohol is absorbed, the liver is subjected to oxidative stress. In response, the body begins to overproduce certain substances that disrupt normal cellular activity. During this new research, scientists made a discovery that surprised them: Withdrawal causes the same type of oxidative stress, thus prolonging the duration of alcohol’s effects on the body, and therefore the sperm.
“During withdrawal, the liver experiences oxidative stress and sends a signal throughout the male body”explains the lead author. “The reproductive system interprets this signal and says: Oh, we live in an environment that contains a very powerful oxidative stressor. I have to program the offspring so that they can adapt to this kind of environment.“ Based on the results observed during his research, the expert suggests that sperm adaptations are ultimately not beneficial and lead to problems such as fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcohol and fetal malformation: at least 3 months of withdrawal to reduce risks
Although his work on the effects of alcohol on sperm and fertility continues, Dr. Golding already offers advice for men wanting to have a child: you must abstain from drinking for at least three months before conceiving.
“There is still a lot of work to do to get a concrete answer, but we know that sperm are produced over a 60-day period and the withdrawal process takes at least a month,” indicates the specialist. “So my estimate would be to wait at least three months.“
He specifies that the quantities drunk do not need to be very excessive to have an impact on male health and sperm quality, even at the time of weaning.
“In the models we use, even drinking three to four beers after work several days a week can cause withdrawal when the behavior stops.”specifies the researcher. “You may not feel intoxicated, but your body is going through chemical changes.“
Alcohol-related birth defects: instructions to review
For Dr. Goldinghis study presented in the journal Andrology at the beginning of December, should lead to a change in the perception of responsibility for congenital malformations linked to alcohol “since society has always placed all the blame on mothers, even when they do not consume alcohol during pregnancy.”
“There is psychological trauma associated with the question: “Did you drink while you were pregnant?” “It’s also difficult for doctors to have this conversation.”recognizes the main author. “But if they don’t, the fetal alcohol syndrome is not diagnosed immediately and the child may not receive the support they need later in life.”
For him, the recommendations made to couples wishing to have a baby must also be reviewed so that they know how long in advance they must stop drinking in order to preserve the health of their future child.
