Avoid alcohol for the guys before retrieval?

[Anonymous]

We are heading into our third fresh IVF/ICSI cycle. I'm curious - is it a good idea to have the guy avoid or minimize alcohol in preparation for retrieval? I'm thinking this might help with sperm quality, but it could be overkill. What have others done during this period of time? Thanks!!!

[Anonymous]

I don't think it matters that much, unless you're having sperm quality or quantity issues. Then there's a whole host of stuff (and plenty of studies to google) you probably already have been thinking about if you're this far along in the process: reducing overall alcohol consumption, cutting back caffeine and soda, losing weight if that's an issue, adding a multivitamin with zinc, etc.

(We have been joking that while some men give up drinking during their partner's pregnancy, mine is drinking for three. Not really, but he *IS* thrilled to have a designated driver all the time.)