Drinking alcohol affects many body systems in both females and males. Studies
suggest that certain things can reduce the ability to father children. These
include:
- drinking alcohol
- smoking
- using other drugs
- exposure to certain chemicals or environmental hazards.
Researchers are finding that if a father has certain toxic substances (such
as alcohol) in his body, these toxins can:
- enter the testicles through the bloodstream
- lower the sperm count
- change the sperm's ability to move
- damage the sperm (which may cause miscarriages)
- get in the way of reproduction by changing the way in which sperm are
selected for fertilizing the egg
- possibly be passed to the fetus at conception
- lead to birth defects or serious illnesses for the child after birth.
Sometimes, the problems that are caused by a father's drinking may not show
up until the child is several years old. Still, studies show that a man's drinking
habits before the couple conceives a child can affect the health of that child
in the future. Since sperm develops over a three-month period, many medical
experts advise not using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs for at least three
months before conception.
Heavy alcohol use by the male before conception is linked to:
- infertility
- changes in the reproductive chemistry
- lower weight of the baby at birth
- subtle long-term and permanent changes in the child.
For more information call the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Information
Service toll-free at 1-800-559-4514, or contact the following agencies:
Alberta
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
British Columbia
FAS/E Support Network of British Columbia
Manitoba
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
New Brunswick
Department of Health and Wellness
Newfoundland and Labrador
Health and Community Services - Addiction Services
Northwest Territories
Health
and Social Services
Nova Scotia
Department
of Healt
Nunavut
Health and Social Services
Ontario
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Assistance and Training
Prince Edward Island
Health and Social Services-Addiction Services
Quebec
SAFERA
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Prevention Institute
Yukon
Alcohol and Drug Services
Additional resources
Father Involvement and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Developing Best Practices
– Motherisk
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
References
Emanuele, M.A. and Emanuele, N.V. (1998). Alcohol's Effects on Male Reproduction.
Alcohol Health and Research World, 22(3): 195-201.
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