Soft Drinks and Fertility

When you are trying to conceive, you should be paying more attention to your diet. One key item to cut out is soft drinks. Drinking soda, particularly if you have it often, can have detrimental effects on your fertility and your health in general. Removing it from your diet is an easy way to improve your health and your fertility.

Sugar

Soft drinks contain more sugar than almost anything else you can eat. A single can contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar. This much sugar leads to fluctuations in your blood sugar and hormones. It is also linked to diabetes, obesity, and poor dental health. Drinking so much sugar is a sure way to undermine your general health and your fertility.

Aspertame

Unfortunately, switching to diet soda won’t solve the problem. Diet sodas use aspartame as a sweetener, and aspartame is connected with a number of health problems. Specifically related to fertility and pregnancy, aspartame appears to be linked to infertility and miscarriages.

Obesity

To give yourself the best changes of conceiving and giving birth to a healthy baby, it’s important to be at a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, cutting out soft drinks is one of the simplest ways to cut down on excess calories and sugar. You can trade in all of the calories in your daily soda for nutrient-rich foods instead.

Caffeine

The effects of caffeine on fertility are a matter of debate, but a number of studies have suggested that caffeine may lead to irregular hormone levels, which affects your ovulation cycle. Many women limit or entirely cut out caffeine during their pregnancies. Don’t forget that many sodas, such as cola, include caffeine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can drinking fizzy drinks affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Yes, research suggests that regularly consuming soft drinks can negatively impact fertility in both men and women. The high sugar content can cause hormonal fluctuations and blood sugar spikes, which may disrupt ovulation and reduce your chances of conceiving. The NHS recommends maintaining a healthy, balanced diet when trying to conceive.

Is diet cola better than regular cola when trying to conceive?

Unfortunately, switching to diet versions isn't necessarily a better choice for fertility. Diet soft drinks contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which some studies have linked to fertility problems and an increased risk of miscarriage. If you're TTC, it's best to opt for water, herbal teas, or other naturally sugar-free beverages instead.

How much caffeine is safe when trying for a baby UK?

The NHS advises that if you're trying to conceive, you should limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200mg per day. Many people forget that cola and other soft drinks contain caffeine alongside tea and coffee. A standard can of cola contains around 32mg of caffeine, so it's worth factoring this into your daily intake.

Does being overweight from sugary drinks affect fertility NHS?

Yes, the NHS and NICE guidelines confirm that being overweight or obese can significantly reduce your chances of conceiving naturally. Soft drinks are a major source of empty calories and sugar, contributing to weight gain. Cutting them out is a simple first step towards achieving a healthier BMI, which can improve your fertility outcomes.

Will my GP refer me for fertility treatment if I drink too much sugar?

When referring patients for NHS-funded fertility treatment, many Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) require you to meet certain health criteria, including having a BMI within a healthy range. If your soft drink consumption has contributed to weight issues, your GP may advise lifestyle changes before making a referral. With 1 in 7 UK couples experiencing fertility issues, addressing diet is often an important first step.

What should I drink instead of fizzy drinks when TTC?

Water is always the best choice for staying hydrated whilst trying to conceive. You could also try herbal teas (avoiding those with excessive caffeine), fruit-infused water, or milk for added calcium. The NHS recommends focusing on nutrient-rich options that support your overall health and fertility journey.

Can my partner's soft drink consumption affect our chances of conceiving?

Yes, male fertility can also be affected by high sugar intake and poor diet. Studies suggest that sugary drinks may impact sperm quality and count. The HFEA recommends that both partners adopt a healthy lifestyle when trying to conceive, so it's worth cutting back on soft drinks together.