Does Caffeine Affect Fertility?

November 03, 2025 Dr. Nsisong Asanga, GP 4 min read

Many people can’t imagine a day without their favorite cup of coffee, tea, or soda. Caffeine is the active ingredient in those drinks, and it is one of the most popular stimulants in the world. About 80% of us consume caffeine daily, and almost everyone gets some through diet or medication. But, like many substances, caffeine can have downsides. And if you are trying to conceive, you may wonder if caffeine affects fertility. Read on to explore what the science says, dispel myths, and discover tips to help you make the right (caffeinated) choices.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a natural stimulant found in over 60 plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao pods, and more. It keeps you awake and in good spirits by blocking adenosine, a chemical in your brain that helps you relax and sleep. That’s why you feel alert and focused after a cup of coffee. Your body absorbs caffeine in about an hour, and you experience its effects for 3 to 7 hours, depending on your age, genetics, tolerance, hormonal status, and liver function.

What are some common sources of caffeine?

Although caffeine has many natural sources, most consume it in commercial drinks and snacks. Here are some common sources of caffeine and how much of the stimulant they contain in 200 mL (6.8 ounces) or 200 mg.

Coffee: 50 to 384 mg
Black tea: 37 to 44 mg
Green tea: 25 to 44 mg
Energy drinks: 80 to 160 mg (but some can go up to 300 mg!)
Soda: 16 to 28 mg
Chocolate: 2 to 105 mg

Caffeine is also in some medications (including headache, cold, weight loss, appetite suppressants, or menstrual-cramp remedies) and in prepared foods (like drinks, baked goods, and ice cream).

Are there any health benefits of coffee?

Coffee can be good for you. There are studies linking moderate coffee consumption to a lower risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Apart from caffeine, coffee also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Are there any health benefits of caffeine?

Apart from keeping you alert, awake, and happy, caffeine also has several health benefits in low to moderate doses. Studies show caffeine can help reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and reduce your risk of chronic conditions like obesity, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers (prostate, liver, breast, and skin).

What are the side effects of too much caffeine?

Too much caffeine does have downsides. It can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and cause palpitations and jitteriness, increase anxiety, and disrupt sleep; all of which can interfere with hormone balance and overall reproductive health.

How much caffeine is safe when trying to conceive?

The World Health Organization and European Food Safety Authority recommend that your daily dose of caffeine be below 200 to 300 mg during pregnancy. But some experts say you should aim lower while pregnant or trying to conceive. Older studies had warned about caffeine for couples conceiving via IVF, but newer research suggests caffeine is safe. (Alcohol, on the other hand, was linked to unfavorable results).

In practice, that means you can keep having a cup of coffee per day, but you should ditch things like energy drinks, which can easily exceed 200 mg in a single serving. If you’re looking to reduce, taper your consumption gradually. A sharp drop in your daily caffeine fix can make you moody and lead to fatigue or cause headaches.

Can caffeine affect fertility for females?

Research shows that caffeine does not affect female fertility if consumed in moderation. But, having more than two caffeinated drinks per day (in both men and women) is linked to higher miscarriage risk, even when consumed before conception. (In the same study, researchers found that taking prenatal vitamins was linked with a lower risk of miscarriage.)

How does caffeine affect male fertility?

There is a common myth that caffeine can cause erectile dysfunction in men. Rest easy—it’s not true. Caffeine doesn’t make it harder to get an erection.

Some research suggests that high amounts of caffeine can negatively impact sperm quality or DNA integrity, but these findings are inconsistent, and 1 to 2 cups per day is safe. Bonus? Caffeine in moderation may even help sperm health because of coffee’s antioxidant content, and some research shows coffee may help improve sperm motility.

Can I drink coffee while trying to conceive?

You can still enjoy your coffee while trying to get pregnant as long as you keep your intake moderate—that’s 1 or 2 cups per day or under 200 mg. Fertility depends on many factors beyond caffeine, so while limiting your coffee intake is good, remember to focus on other parts of the equation. Improving and prioritizing diet, exercise, and sleep quality (and reducing or eliminating tobacco and alcohol) can all help.

Does decaf coffee affect fertility?

Decaf coffee contains only a small amount of caffeine—typically around 2 to 5 milligrams per cup—so it’s an easy way to cut down without giving up your coffee routine. There’s no evidence that decaf coffee harms fertility, and it provides similar antioxidants to regular coffee, making it a safe alternative if you’re trying to cut back.