{"id":15256,"date":"2025-06-04T17:34:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T17:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/givelegacy.com\/?post_type=resource&#038;p=2511"},"modified":"2025-06-11T21:18:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T21:18:51","slug":"caffeine-and-male-fertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/caffeine-and-male-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"How caffeine affects male fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Many of us can\u2019t imagine starting our day without a cup (or two) of coffee. If you\u2019re one of the 66% of Americans who drink coffee every day, you may not have thought about how caffeine affects your fertility. Robust scientific evidence indicates that lifestyle choices \u2014 especially diet \u2014 can influence sperm health. So what about caffeine, a primary ingredient in America\u2019s most popular beverage: coffee?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a closer look at how coffee affects male fertility and sperm health, how coffee compares to other caffeinated beverages, and how much caffeine is safe to drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moderate caffeine consumption (the equivalent of 1\u20132 cups of coffee per day) is generally not linked to decreased sperm quality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High caffeine intake, especially from sugary sodas and energy drinks, may negatively affect sperm count, semen volume, and testicular function.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some studies show caffeine may improve sperm motility, but the evidence is inconclusive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For optimal sperm health, experts recommend limiting your consumption of caffeine and added sugars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is caffeine, and where is it found?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Found naturally in the fruits, leaves, and beans of coffee, cacao, tea, and guarana plants (among others), caffeine stimulates the central nervous system to promote wakefulness and mental focus. Research shows that caffeine is rapidly and completely absorbed in humans, with 99% being absorbed within 45 minutes of ingestion.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine.<sup>2<\/sup> Other preparations and sizes of coffee drinks can contain more or less. Caffeine is found in a wide variety of foods and drinks, including tea, energy drinks, sodas, chocolate, and supplements. Some \u201cdecaf\u201d coffees and teas contain low doses of caffeine.<sup>3&nbsp; <\/sup>Energy drinks can contain 160mg to 300mg of caffeine or more per serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Can caffeine affect your sperm health?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2izaDdik23w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How bad is caffeine for sperm?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The evidence is mixed. Some research shows that caffeine is associated with a decrease in sperm quality, especially when consumed in excess; other studies demonstrate that moderate caffeine consumption might actually be good for sperm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some studies have found that caffeine intake may negatively impact a couple\u2019s chances of conception. A 2016 study showed that consuming caffeinated sodas and energy drinks, specifically, reduced fertility in males.<sup>4<\/sup> The study also showed that females who consumed caffeinated tea beverages were less likely to conceive. A 2017 review of studies found evidence that caffeine may cause sperm DNA damage, but the authors warned that the research was inconsistent and inconclusive.<sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2010 study showed that those who drank caffeinated cola had decreased average semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and percentage of spermatozoa compared to non-cola drinking men.<sup>6<\/sup> The same study showed that when caffeine intake exceeded 800mg from all sources (including coffee), sperm count was also lower \u2014 but the association between caffeinated cola and poor semen parameters was stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is backed up by another study that looked specifically at coffee consumption.<sup>7<\/sup> Of 1,321 men, the 204 participants who drank more than 3 cups of coffee a day had similar sperm concentration, but lower sperm quality than those who drank fewer than 3 cups of coffee per day. Surprisingly, researchers in this study noted that caffeine appeared to have an even more damaging effect on sperm quality than alcohol and smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while human studies are limited in this area, some animal research shows that caffeine exposure during sexual maturation may alter the anatomy of the testicles, even in small doses.<sup>8<\/sup> Furthermore, caffeine may interfere with testosterone production, possibly delaying the onset of sexual maturation (puberty) \u2014 especially crucial information for young coffee drinkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is caffeine good for sperm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, some studies show that caffeine may actually have a positive influence on sperm health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2021 study examined the effect of caffeine on sperm \u201cin vitro,\u201d or in the lab. Researchers exposed two sets of semen samples to caffeine \u2014&nbsp;one containing sperm with normal motility (movement) and one with reduced motility. They found caffeine stimulated motility in both groups.<sup>9<\/sup> Animal research supports this correlation between caffeine and sperm motility, finding that exposing mouse sperm to caffeine improved motility, vitality, and oocyte (egg) fertilization rates.<sup>10<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does this work \u201cin vivo\u201d (in the body)? One Brazilian study says yes. Researchers found that average sperm motility increased alongside coffee consumption, and that even participants who drank more than six cups of coffee per day (yes, *more than six* per *day*) had higher sperm motility, on average, than those who drank no coffee. Semen volume and sperm concentration did not seem to be affected.<sup>11<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But before you crank up your coffee consumption: not many studies have found this positive correlation between caffeine and fertility, at least not among IVF patients. A comprehensive study from an Italian fertility clinic showed no statistically significant association between caffeine intake and implantation, fertilization, or live birth in a cohort of fertility patients.<sup>12<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further, a 2022 review of 12 studies found no association between caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate in men or women going through IVF (in vitro fertilization) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).<sup>13<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How sugar affects male fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do some studies show that caffeine affects male fertility negatively, while others demonstrate a positive effect? One plausible explanation is the sugar found in many caffeinated beverages like soda and energy drinks. While soft drinks like these typically contain less caffeine than a cup of coffee (less than 30 mg), experts report that soft drinks are the single largest source of calories and added sugar in the U.S. diet, containing up to 40 grams of sugar.<sup>14<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Excess sugar consumption is notorious for its negative impact on male fertility, affecting everything from sperm count to testicular function.<sup>15<\/sup> This could be the driving factor behind the negative impact that soda and other sugary drinks have on sperm<sup>16<\/sup> or could compound the impact of caffeine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/sugar-and-male-fertility\/\">Learn more about sugar and male fertility.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much caffeine is safe for sperm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One to two cups of coffee per day should not affect most people\u2019s fertility. Low to moderate daily caffeine consumption is not associated with a reduction in semen quality, according to a 2010 study published in the<em> American Journal of Epidemiology.<\/em><sup>17 <\/sup>The exception: if that caffeinated beverage is cola \u2014 possibly because sugar has been shown to be toxic to sperm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In its 2022 committee opinion, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility gave its verdict: Moderate caffeine consumption (1\u20132 cups of coffee per day, or up to 200 mg daily) has no apparent negative effect on semen parameters. However, high caffeine intake (about 500 mg\/day, or around 5 cups of coffee daily) has been associated with decreased fertility, though not specifically with changes in semen parameters.<sup>18<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The bottom line about caffeine and sperm health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidence around caffeine and male fertility is mixed, so we recommend moderating caffeine intake and avoiding added sugars \u2014&nbsp;especially if you\u2019re trying to conceive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Caffeine intake may have a negative impact on male fertility, including sperm count and testicular function, especially when used in excess and when found in sugary beverages like cola and energy drinks. Though some limited research suggests that caffeine may increase sperm motility, most fertility experts agree that caffeine intake should be low to moderate (and consumption of added sugar should be minimal) for the best chance of producing healthy sperm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get answers with a semen analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering how your lifestyle choices \u2014 like diet and caffeine consumption \u2014 may affect your fertility? A semen analysis is the best way to get information on your sperm health. Sperm production has a cycle that refreshes about every 72 days, so if any issues with your semen parameters are identified, you can make lifestyle changes and retest after a few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/guides\/sperm-quality\/\">Read more in our guide to sperm improvement.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK223808\/\">Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. \u201cCaffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance,\u201d 2001.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/171890\/nutrients\">2. U.S. Department of Agriculture. \u201cBeverages, coffee, brewed, prepared with tap water,\u201d 2019.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17132260\/\">3. McCusker et al. \u201cCaffeine content of decaffeinated coffee,\u201d 2006.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0890623816300727\">4. Wesselink et al. \u201cCaffeine and caffeinated beverage consumption and fecundability in a preconception cohort,\u201d 2016.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28646871\/\">5. Ricci et al. \u201cCoffee and caffeine intake and male infertility: a systematic review,\u201d 2017.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/aje\/article\/171\/8\/883\/82236\">6. Jensen et al. \u201cCaffeine Intake and Semen Quality in a Population of 2,554 Young Danish Men,\u201d 2010.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rbej.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1477-7827-10-115\">7. Wogatzky et al. \u201cThe combination matters &#8211; distinct impact of lifestyle factors on sperm quality,\u201d 2012.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5300999\/\">8. Bae et al. \u201cDose- and time-related effects of caffeine on the testis in immature male rats,\u201d 2016.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33733465\/\">9. Banihani et al. \u201cCaffeine increased progressive motility of human spermatozoa in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen samples and enhanced activity of seminal creatine kinase,\u201d 2021.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3941327\/\">10. Nabavi et al. \u201cEffect of caffeine on motility and vitality of sperm and in vitro fertilization of outbreed mouse in T6 and M16 media,\u201d 2013.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16389413\/\">11. Sobriero et al. \u201cSemen analysis in fertile patients undergoing vasectomy: reference values and variations according to age, length of sexual abstinence, seasonality, smoking habits and caffeine intake,\u201d 2005.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6115800\/\">12. Ricci et al. \u201cMaternal and Paternal Caffeine Intake and ART Outcomes in Couples Referring to an Italian Fertility Clinic: A Prospective Cohort,\u201d 2018.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36259227\/\">13. Rao et al. \u201cThe association between caffeine and alcohol consumption and IVF\/ICSI outcomes: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis,\u201d 2022.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu\/healthy-drinks\/sugary-drinks\/\">14. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. \u201cSugary Drinks,\u201d 2023.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35606632\/\">15. Efrat et al. \u201cSugar Consumption Is Negatively Associated with Semen Quality,\u201d 2022.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38450974\/\">16. Joseph et al. \u201cA preconception cohort study of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and semen quality,\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/aje\/article\/171\/8\/883\/82236\">17. Jensen et al. \u201cCaffeine Intake and Semen Quality in a Population of 2,554 Young Danish Men,\u201d 2010.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fertstert.org\/article\/S0015-0282(21)02130-0\/fulltext\">18. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Practice Committee of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. \u201cOptimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion,\u201d 2022.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many of us can\u2019t imagine starting our day without a cup of coffee. If you\u2019re one of the 62% of Americans who drinks coffee every day, find out how coffee affects male fertility and sperm health, how it compares to other caffeinated beverages, and some guidelines on how much is safe to drink (if you can\u2019t fathom giving up your morning cup).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":2512,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%% \u2014 Is coffee safe for sperm? | Legacy Sperm Experts","_seopress_titles_desc":"If you\u2019re one of the 62% of Americans who drinks coffee every day, find out how coffee affects male fertility and sperm health, how it compares to other caffeinated beverages, and some guidelines on how much is safe to drink (if you can\u2019t fathom giving up your morning cup).","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,54],"tags":[270,271,74,53,78,234,175],"class_list":["post-15256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-improving-sperm-health","category-nutrition-supplements","tag-caffeine","tag-coffee","tag-diet","tag-lifestyle","tag-nutrition","tag-soda","tag-sugar"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15256"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15256"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47341,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15256\/revisions\/47341"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}