The study did not distinguish between regular and binge drinking, which is important because alcohol can affect the menstrual cycle. And the male partner's alcohol intake was also not taken into account, which is known to affect sperm quality. In a linked editorial, Annie Britton from University College London, says that the results "offer some reassurances" to couples trying to get pregnant and suggests that "total abstinence may not be necessary to maximise conception rates" because "if alcohol is consumed moderately, it seems that this may not affect fertility." "However, it would be wise to avoid binge drinking, both for the potential disruption to menstrual cycles and also for the potential harm to a baby during early pregnancy. If a couple are experiencing difficulty in conceiving, it makes sense for both partners to cut down on their alcohol intake," she concludes.
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