From the Guidelines
Moderate caffeine consumption, defined as up to 200-300mg daily, is unlikely to significantly impact male fertility, but excessive intake may negatively affect sperm parameters. Men concerned about fertility should limit caffeine to this range, equivalent to 2-3 cups of coffee, as higher consumption levels, particularly above 400mg daily, have been associated with reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology in some studies 1. The mechanism appears to involve caffeine's effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and increased oxidative stress in reproductive tissues. Men actively trying to conceive might benefit from reducing caffeine from all sources, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications. Other lifestyle factors like maintaining healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and managing stress are equally important for optimizing fertility, as highlighted in guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men 1. Individual responses to caffeine vary based on genetics and metabolism, so some men may be more sensitive to its effects than others. If fertility issues persist despite lifestyle modifications, consultation with a reproductive specialist is recommended, especially considering the updates to male infertility guidelines that emphasize the importance of a comprehensive male evaluation in the management of infertility 1.
Some key points to consider for improving male fertility include:
- Limiting caffeine intake to 200-300mg daily
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol
- Managing stress
- Considering the potential impact of certain medications on fertility
- Undergoing a comprehensive male evaluation if fertility issues persist, which may include karyotype testing for males with primary infertility and azoospermia or sperm concentration <5 million sperm/mL when accompanied by elevated FSH, testicular atrophy, or a diagnosis of impaired sperm production 1.
It's also important to note that advanced paternal age can increase the risk of certain genetic risks in offspring, and genetic counseling may be considered for couples with advanced paternal age 1.
Overall, while moderate caffeine consumption is unlikely to have a significant impact on male fertility, a comprehensive approach to lifestyle modification and medical evaluation is crucial for optimizing fertility potential.
From the Research
Improving Male Fertility
To improve male fertility, several factors can be considered, including lifestyle changes and dietary modifications.
- Reducing caffeine intake may be beneficial, as high levels of caffeine consumption have been linked to decreased fertility in some studies 2, 3.
- However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between caffeine intake and male fertility 4, 5.
Caffeine Intake and Male Fertility
Caffeine intake has been studied in relation to male fertility, with some studies suggesting a negative association between high caffeine consumption and fertility outcomes.
- A study published in 2017 found that male caffeine intake was negatively related to live birth after assisted reproductive technologies 3.
- Another study published in 2020 found that low, medium, and high doses of caffeine intake may not increase the risk of infertility, but the quality of the evidence was low 4.
- A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis published in 2017 found that coffee or caffeine consumption was associated with a significantly increased risk of spontaneous abortion, but no clear association was found between exposure to coffee/caffeine and natural fertility 5.
Reducing Caffeine Intake
Reducing caffeine intake may be a beneficial step in improving male fertility, especially for those consuming high amounts of caffeine.
- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and World Health Organization (WHO) advise a maximum of two to three cups of coffee/200-300 mg caffeine per day 5.
- However, individual tolerance to caffeine can vary, and some men may need to reduce their caffeine intake further to minimize potential negative effects on fertility.