For many women, that morning cup of coffee is non-negotiable. But when you’re trying to conceive, every lifestyle choice comes under scrutiny, including your caffeine habit. But does caffeine affect fertility in women? We spoke with gynaecologist Dr Isha to separate the facts from the fertility myths.

The science behind caffeine and conception

Let’s start with the good news. Your moderate coffee habit probably isn’t standing between you and pregnancy. “Based on the scientific literature, we don’t have strong proof that everyday caffeine intake harms a woman’s cycle or egg quality,” Dr Isha explains.

While caffeine can slightly influence hormones like estrogen in some women, and animal studies using very high doses have shown effects on egg development, the human research tells a different story. “Human studies don’t consistently show that 1-2 cups of coffee a day will delay ovulation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, or damage eggs,” Dr Isha notes.

Therefore, when it comes to trying to conceive, moderation is key. Fertility doctors typically recommend staying within 150-200 mg of caffeine per day when trying to conceive, which translates to approximately one to two small cups of coffee or two to three cups of tea. This amount is also considered safe during early pregnancy, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Does timing make a difference?

It’s not just about how much caffeine you consume, but when. A morning cup after breakfast is generally fine, but sipping coffee throughout the day can disrupt sleep and elevate stress hormones. “When trying to conceive, it’s best to have caffeine before noon (after breakfast) and avoid sipping it all day or on an empty stomach,” Dr Isha recommends.

However, not all caffeinated drinks are equal. While the caffeine content is what matters the most, the vehicle delivering it makes a difference too. Coffee and tea are generally your best bets, with tea offering the added bonus of calming polyphenols alongside less caffeine. Energy drinks, however, are a different story. “Energy drinks have caffeine along with chemicals, sugar, and taurine, which are not ideal while trying to conceive,” warns Dr Isha. Similarly, fizzy drinks containing caffeine, sugar, and phosphoric acid can trigger inflammation and insulin issues, making them less fertility-friendly options.

What about women with PCOS and endometriosis?

If you’re managing PCOS or endometriosis, you might want to be extra mindful of your caffeine intake. For women with PCOS, caffeine may worsen anxiety, sleep quality, and blood sugar stability — all factors that indirectly affect hormones. Those with endometriosis may find that higher caffeine consumption triggers inflammation or intensifies period pain. Dr Isha advises, “Sticking to about one cup a day or switching partly to decaf is often a good idea.”

Is caffeine a big no-no during IVF?

For women undergoing IVF or egg freezing, the evidence is reassuring. “Moderate caffeine intake does not reduce IVF success rates or affect the number of embryos or egg quality in a clinically significant way,” says Dr Isha. While very high intakes of three to four cups daily may have some negative associations, the research isn’t conclusive. During IVF stimulation, one small coffee or two cups of tea per day remains a common recommendation.

What’s the final word?

Everyone metabolises caffeine differently. Your body typically processes caffeine within three to five hours, but some women take longer to break it down. Watch for signs that caffeine might be affecting you: irregular sleep patterns, increased anxiety, energy crashes, stronger PMS symptoms, digestive issues during your luteal phase, or a shortened cycle after increasing intake. If you notice these patterns, cutting back often helps.

If you’re planning to reduce your caffeine consumption before trying to conceive, Dr Isha suggests doing so gradually over two to three weeks. This prevents withdrawal headaches and helps stabilise sleep, hormones, and energy levels.

So, does caffeine affect fertility in women? Yes, but the key is being mindful of your intake, paying attention to how your body responds, and making adjustments if needed. Your morning brew doesn’t have to be a casualty of your fertility journey. Just keep it sensible, and you’ll be fine.

To connect with Dr Isha for more personalised advice, you can reach out to her on Instagram or on her website.

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