Diet drinks, soda might be harming your fertility

ARE you fond of fizzy drinks or diet cola breaks? Do you prefer sugar in your brew for a sweetener? If so, your diet beverage could be messing with your pregnancy plans.

Did you know artificial sweeteners are chemical-based and all sodas and sugary drinks are made of artificial sweeteners? There are so many things to think about when you are trying to increase your chances of conceiving. But did you know or ever think that maybe your daily intake of soft drinks can affect your chances of having a baby?

Couples planning a pregnancy should consider limiting their consumption of these beverages, especially because they are related to other adverse health effects. Research has shown women undergoing fertility treatments found that frequent consumption of the artificial sweeteners commonly found in these beverages significantly decreased their chances of conceiving a child.

To conceive, consider cutting back on sodas

Sugared sodas and diet sodas are among the most popular beverages consumed by reproductive aged men and women.

Research has shown that drinking one soda a day is linked with a 20 to 25% reduction in the average monthly probability of conception for men and women.

The adverse effects are not only limited to natural conception but may also have implications if you are pursuing fertility treatments like Intrauterine insemination and In vitro fertilisation.

Soda and infertility

Studies have found that excessive consumption of soda is strongly linked to infertility in men and women.

Men who consume soda regularly are at four times the risk of lowering sperm count, motility, and other parameters that affect fertility.

Moreover, soda being an acidic beverage alters the pH of the body which further affects fertility.

Aspartame is an artificial softener used in most soft drinks. It can alter the functioning of the endocrine glands and lead to hormonal imbalances.

Other harmful ways in which the consumption of soda affects fertility:

Subfertility, through increased risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, weight gain, impaired fasting glucose which can affect ovulation and risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

◆ Rich in chemicals like additives,

preservatives and colourants.

◆ Ovulatory infertility among females and lower sperm concentration and total sperm count among males.

◆ Increased blood sugar levels can lead to Type 2 diabetes. This can also result in complications during pregnancy.

◆ Yadav is a senior consultant, Fertility, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon.