Alcohol, Sperm and Fertility after a Vasectomy Reversal

This blog about alcohol intake, sperm and fertility is written by international vas reversal authority, author and microsurgeon Dr. Sheldon Marks, updated in 2023.

“Alcohol intake of any amount hurts sperm!” reads the headlines of a new paper from Denmark.

This new study that showed that alcohol in any amount can potentially hurt sperm and so male fertility.

Up until now, most of the research says that it’s okay to drink some alcohol, keep it reasonable and just no more than 2 drinks a day and NO binge drinking. After all, everyone knows when men drink a lot then they are effectively “pickling” their brain, liver as well as their testicles. And there’s nothing worse than pickled brain or testicles…especially when it’s that person’s brain or testicles (1).

The good news is that even for men that do drink, past studies have shown that this damage is often reversible with time as the body heals itself so that sperm counts usually return to normal after men quit their excessive alcohol intake (2).

So what to do if a man is having or had a vasectomy reversal, drinks alcohol and wants the highest chances to father healthy children?

Since this study has some conclusions that are different from other and new studies, I suggest that after a vas reversal, it would be best to talk to the vas reversal surgeon and continue to follow the common-sense guidelines we tell all of our patients – if a patient drinks, then drink occasionally and in moderation (never more than 2 drinks an evening (3). If he can pass on that beer or Vodka, or just have one, then go ahead or better yet, enjoy a nonalcoholic drink. But don’t lose any sleep if he just has to sip that Bourbon while talking with the guys. But just one or two!

If there are any questions about the impact of alcohol or any aspects of lifestyle on fertility and vasectomy reversal success rates, we are available to answer questions.

This page was reviewed, edited and updated June 13, 2023, by Sheldon H. F. Marks, MD.

References:

1.Jensen TK, Gottscchau M, Madsen JO, Andersson AM, Lassen TH, Skakkebaek NE, Swan SH, Priskorn L, Juul A, Jorgensen N. Habitual alcohol consumption associated with reduced semen quality and changes in reproductive hormones; a cross-sectional study among 1221 young Danish men. BMJ Open 2014;4(9):e005462.
2.Rossi BV, Abusief M, Missmer SA. Modifiable Risk Factors and Infertility: What are the Connections? Am J Lifestyle Med. 2014;10(4):220-231.
3. Sharma R, Biedenharn KR, Fedor JM, Argawal A. Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2013 Jul 16; 11:66.