Coffee During Egg Freezing: How Much Caffeine Can You Have?
Is consuming coffee bad during egg freezing?
Before I froze my eggs I had this habit of going to McDonalds a few times a week for their $1 iced vanilla coffee’s before 10 a.m. But when I took an IVF medications class the week before I was to start the egg freezing process, the fertility nurse told us to limit coffee to one cup per day.
I’ve never been a huge coffee consumer. I prefer tea. But many teas have some level of caffeine. Could I still have green tea? What about black tea?
Some women in the Facebook group I’m in cut out caffeine altogether. Others had three cups of coffee every morning. So what should you do?
I did a lot of research on this topic to find out what is best. This post will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of caffeine consumption and what you can do to make informed choices during your fertility journey. I hope you find this post helpful and will check out my other egg freezing content.
This post is all about caffeine and egg freezing.
Can you drink coffee during egg freezing?
Moderate coffee consumption is generally considered safe. While enjoying your morning pick-me-up won’t necessarily derail the egg freezing process, it’s important to be mindful of your caffeine intake.
Research suggests that excessive coffee consumption can affect hormone levels which can potentially impact the quality of your eggs.
It’s important to consult with your fertility specialist to determine the appropriate amount of caffeine for your individual situation. While you may not need to completely give up your beloved brew, it’s a good idea to consider switching to decaf or herbal teas if you’re concerned.
Ultimately, the impact of coffee on egg freezing is still being researched and studied. In the meantime, a balanced approach to caffeine consumption is the best course of action.
Recommended daily caffeine intake for egg freezing and IVF
Consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine per day may negatively impact fertility treatment success, according to a 2020 study conducted by NIH. This includes not just coffee, but also tea, soda, and chocolate. So, it’s essential to keep track of all sources of caffeine in your diet.
Additionally, it’s believed that caffeine can also affect egg maturation. Therefore, it’s best to stick to the recommended daily caffeine intake to ensure the best possible outcome for your fertility treatment.
Caffeine consumption can have a potential impact on heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in the context of fertility treatments. Egg freezing and IVF involve hormone injections and other medications to stimulate egg production, and caffeine intake during this time may affect the cardiovascular system. Caffeine is known to stimulate the release of adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
For the best chances of success, it’s recommended to limit caffeine intake to 200mg or less per day. Always consult with your doctor to see what they suggest.
Effects of excessive caffeine consumption on reproductive health
Excessive caffeine consumption can have a significant impact on your reproductive health.
Studies have suggested a potential link between high caffeine intake and reduced fertility, lower success rates in IVF procedures, and increased risk of miscarriage.
If you’re egg freezing, getting pregnant may not be at the top of your mind but you should know high levels of caffeine intake during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, and it may also impact the overall health of the mother and fetus.
Related post: 6 things to avoid during egg freezing
Energy drinks and soda during egg freezing
Don’t judge me but back in college, I would down those 5-hour energy drinks when I was cramming for an exam. I would never do that now but I know we live in a world where Celsius drinks are all around us.
Doctors advise against consuming energy drinks or soft drinks during fertility treatments due to their high caffeine content, added sugars, and other stimulants.
Personally, I would just stick to flavored sparkling water. When you are undergoing fertility treatments, you want to maintain and prioritize a healthy and balanced diet to optimize your chances of success.
Tips for managing caffeine intake during egg freezing
It’s best to play it safe by limiting your caffeine consumption to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to one cup of coffee.
There are plenty of alternatives to help you manage your caffeine intake though. Try swapping your regular coffee for decaf or herbal tea (I like chamomile), which can still give you that warm and cozy feeling without the caffeine buzz. You can also explore other options like matcha or turmeric lattes for a tasty and caffeine-free pick-me-up.
You could even try bone broth for your morning beverage instead.
Your future self will thank you for cutting back on the caffeine. Take care of yourself during this process. Happy egg freezing!
Feel free to check out my other posts on egg freezing.
