Sugary soda might decrease chances of getting pregnant

Sugary soda might decrease chances of getting pregnant


The health issues associated with downing sugary drinks are numerous, from obesity and Type 2 diabetes to heart disease. A new study suggests that women — and men — who drink sugary sodas have a decreased chance of conceiving a baby.

Researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health say drinking one or more sodas daily is associated with a decreased risk of pregnancy. Results are published in the journal Epidemiology.

The team studied about 3,800 women and 1,000 of their male partners. All participants were asked to complete a survey to gauge medical history, lifestyle factors and diet, including consumption of sugary drinks. Every two months, women participating in the study completed follow-up questionnaires, for up to one year or until they became pregnant.

In results published in the journal Epidemiology, there was a 20 percent reduced risk of conceiving among the men and women who consumed sugary drinks. Women had a 25 percent lower chance of pregnancy, and men had a 33 percent lower chance of getting their partner pregnant. Energy drinks were linked to larger reductions in fertility, but the team found little association between diet sodas or fruit juice and fertility.

Drinking soda is also tied to early menstruation and poor semen quality — although few studies have investigated the direct effects that soda may have on fertility.

The researchers suggest that couples seeking pregnancy should consider limiting soda drinking, especially since sugary drinks are associated with other health problems.

Aspiring parents should instead drink plenty of water for health and hydration. Once your little one arrives, there will be plenty of sweetness to go around.

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