Latest Research: Excessive Drinking May Cause Male Infertility

Many people drink alcoholic beverages at parties and bars to have fun. Some individuals drink at home to unwind and relax after a long day of work. Moderate drinking has been said to be good to the heart, circulatory system, and gallstones. However medical studies show that drinking may bring more harm than good. Drinking too much alcohol cause negative short term effect like depression, hangover, dehydration, and headache. It may also bring long term effects like loss of brain cells, liver failure, stomach ulcers, nerve damage, and male infertility.

Recent medical studies show that drinking more than four than four ounces of alcohol a day can be bad for the male reproductive system. Alcohol concentration depends on the kind of drink that is consumed. A bottle of beer or a glass of wine contains half an ounce of alcohol; excessive amounts of these drinks may harm the body and cause problems in one's sexual health and fertility.

Alcohol contains toxins that may harm the sperm-generating cells in the testicle. Such development may cause a decline in sperm quality and lead to infertility. In addition, alcohol may hamper liver function and a cause rise in estrogen levels, which may interfere with hormone levels and sperm development. Chronic alcoholism can cause atrophy in the testicles which may lead to low libido among men.

The toxicity of consuming excessive alcohol may also reduce sperm density or sperm count. The usual volume of a single ejaculate is three milliliter with about 130 million sperm cells per milliliter. Alcohol may cause a significant reduction in these figures. Alcoholic drinks may also cause abnormalities in sperm size, shape, tail, motility.

In addition to the effects of alcohol, high levels of lead are associated to people who drink alcohol. According to a study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, individuals who have high levels of lead may be at heightened risk of becoming infertile. Researchers found out that high levels of lead in semen were linked to low fertilization rates. In additional tests, they found out that lead may prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg.

Based on anecdotal evidence, excessive alcohol intake also affects sexual performance, and, as such, may indirectly affect a man's ability to engage in sex intended to cause pregnancy. While a glass of wine or champagne is usually associated with romance and the necessary prelude to sexual activity, inebriation or total drunkenness would surely interfere or prevent successful and satisfying sex.

Drinking alcohol in excess is not a good idea because it may cause many serious problems in one's life. If the alcohol abuse does not cause immediate problems, then excessive use of it over a long period of time can cause serious health problems in the end. Everyone deserves to relax if they want to, but excessive alcohol is a serious problem that should not be taken for granted. Relaxation should involve healthy routines and not short-term happiness or the “high” that alcohol provides. People who want to indulge in alcohol consumption should bear in mind that this drink is very addictive and should be taken only in moderation.