Monday, January 5, 2009

Alcoholism and Infertility

By Ed Philips

Studies have shown that women who consume alcohol at any rate can struggle with infertility during their lives. Sometimes it could cause a woman who is trying to get pregnant to suffer from miscarriages, never having a successful pregnancy. Often times if the woman does carry on throughout the pregnancy, many complications can occur during childbirth and after, affecting the baby and the mother.

Women need to be aware about all of the risks of infertility involved from alcoholism or just being "moderate" drinkers. Too much intake of alcohol in women can result in problems with ovulation, which is what would cause her not to have the ability to become pregnant. Another problem that can occur from women drinking too much alcohol is increased levels of progesterone and estrogen.

Alcoholism affects fertility in not just women but men also. Men who would one day like to have children face their own set of risks from their addiction. Alcohol can lead men to having sperm that is abnormally shaped and cannot fertilize a woman's egg and can even lead to impotency. This can have profound effects on a man's mental health in addition to his physical health. A man can feel inadequate, unworthy and even less of a man as a result of infertility.

Men need to be aware that alcohol can not only destroy sperm but the cells that produce the sperm drastically effecting hormone levels. Men wanting to start a family at some point need to slow down their drinking if not stop drinking altogether. By overcoming alcohol now, you will greatly increase your chance of being able to procreate later.

It is important to know the dangers of potential illnesses and conditions that can arise as a result of alcohol. If you or a loved one battle alcohol, be aware and educated on what the future may or in the case of children, may not hold for you. Educate yourself through the internet or by sharing with others with the same experiences what you are going through. Not being alone on the road to recovery can be helpful and comforting.

The most important thing you can do is to not put alcoholism off any longer. Face the fact that alcohol has become a problem in your life and for those around you to help bring perspective to quitting today. With determination and all of the support methods available, you can overcome alcohol and live a bright, healthy future.

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