Caffeine - does it effect sperm?

[Scarlett13]

And is decaf ok to have? Xxx

[Tugsgirl]

I think it can have an effect yes, certainly in large quantities. Decaf is absolutely fine though xx

[Se99]

I believe so, switch to decaf, it still has caffeine in but smaller amounts, other things like fizzy drinks also have caffeine!

Hope you're well x

[Tugsgirl in reply to Se99]

Coca Cola contains a lot of caffeine but you can get a sugar free, caffeine free one. It's not as nice but it's ok. Chocolate also contains caffeine xx

[Lilli79]

I drink decaf tea, and only rarely decaf coffee. I limit both though as they use a lot of chemicals to decaffeinate them. Redbush, ginger and peppermint tea are all naturally caffeine free (there are loads more but these are the ones I like). Chocolate also has caffeine, especially dark chocolate, I think white chocolate has little or no caffeine. Google caffeine in foods and you'll get a good list xx

[emmab178]

There was recently a program on to and found decaffeinated just means it's gone through a chemical process to remove some caffeine but there's no amount that they have to be under to be labelled as decaf. They tested some decaf products and some had just as high a value as caffeinated products.

Since going cold turkey in Jan I'm a huge fan of red bush tea. The vanilla one or spiced one are really nice.

[Scarlett13 in reply to emmab178]

Wow that's scary and thanks for the red bush tip xxx

[Lynnr54]

Yes, It's one of the things they recommend men avoid if there are male factors in play. I know even if there aren't some women like their partners to abstain anyway to give the best chance of it working.

[Scarlett13 in reply to Lynnr54]

Thank you, we don't have any male factors to worry about but we still want the swimmers to be at their best so I'll deliver the news! Previously I'd read that only women needed to cut out caffeine but now I've been hearing lots of you say it does affect men too x

[Lilli79 in reply to Scarlett13]

Yeah I think it's good for both partners to get healthier. I feel amazing since giving up caffeine, sleeping so much better etc. Pukka tea does 3 ginger tea which has ingredients for a healthy system and also settles the stomach if you're nauseous (good for morning sickness feelings). You can improve sperm quality through diet (leafy green veg are good) and also obviously through taking the vitamins xx

[Lynnr54 in reply to Scarlett13]

The way I see it is that we spend ages getting ourselves healthier for IVF and then if successful spend 9 months avoiding things whilst pregnant. They only have 100 days to do it for which isn't long in the grand scheme of things. Alcohol is worse for sperm than caffeine. I once read a study which said every drink can reduce chances by 5%, though that seems a bit excessive to me.

[Gia_9]

Caffeine in coffee, soda, tea or chocolate affecting sperm count, shape or motility rate is a very rare scenario. Unless you binge on an unhealthy diet for a prolonged period to trigger the deterioration in sperm quality. Some studies also suggest that around 3 cups of coffee a day improve sperm motility (prefer milk-coffee over black coffee). If you can restrict your coffee intake to 3-5 cups and adjust your diet accordingly, you better do that than opting for decaf.

[TeamMonkey]

If you have male sperm issues then avoid caffeine and avoid decaf, sorry but lots of studies show decaf isn't better as full of chemicals to remove the caffeine. I always allowed hubby one nice coffee a week during the 3 months run up.

If he doesn't have issues I don't think it is that important unless he has tons a coffee one a day would be fine x