A cup of tea or coffee in the morning has become a familiar habit for many people. For couples planning to get pregnant, the consumption of caffeine needs to be paid more attention because it can have a certain impact on the quality of eggs, sperm and fertility if used excessively.
According to Dr. Geetika Chopra, a comprehensive nutritionist (India), tea and coffee when used in moderation usually do not directly harm reproductive health in healthy people. However, their impact depends on the amount consumed, the time of use and the general health condition of each person.
Tea contains caffeine and tannins. If you drink too much, especially strong tea or use it on an empty stomach, it can hinder iron absorption and increase the level of stress hormone cortisol. In women trying to conceive, prolonged high cortisol levels can affect ovulation and endocrine balance. However, experts believe that it is not necessary to completely eliminate tea from the diet, but should be used moderately and at the right time.
Coffee also contains caffeine, a major factor considered in relation to fertility. Some studies have noted that high caffeine consumption can mitigate fertility in some people, due to affecting ovulation, hormone balance and embryo implantation. In men, heavy caffeine use in prolonged sleep deprivation and stress can indirectly affect sperm quality through endocrine disorders and increased stress hormones.
A 2016 study by the US National Institutes of Health and Ohio State University showed that the risk of miscarriage may increase when both spouses consume more than two caffeinated drinks per day in the pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy periods.
Experts recommend that people trying to conceive should limit their caffeine intake to below 200 mg per day, equivalent to about 1-2 cups of coffee or 2-3 cups of diluted tea. Caffeine should be used at the beginning of the day, avoided on an empty stomach and limited in the evening to protect sleep quality and hormone regulation.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), people with anxiety disorders or high cortisol levels may need to reduce their caffeine intake more. Replacing tea and coffee with drinks such as chamomile tea, peppermint tea, ginger water, turmeric water, warm milk with turmeric or coconut water can help relax the nervous system, reduce inflammation and support endocrine balance.
Using tea and coffee reasonably, combined with a balanced lifestyle, getting enough sleep and controlling stress, will contribute to protecting reproductive health and optimizing fertility opportunities.
