Consuming too much caffeine reduces a woman’s chance of conception because it negatively affects the way the fallopian tubes carry the egg from the ovaries to the womb, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology.
A previous study in the Netherlands found that drinking four cups of coffee a day could lower a woman’s chance of conceiving by about 25 percent, but it was not understood why the stimulant was causing problems.
Now, researchers at the University of Nevada have discovered the underlying cause. Working with lab mice, they found that the drug inhibits the fallopian tubes from contracting properly – an action which is necessary to carry the egg into the womb.
"This finding goes a long way towards explaining why drinking caffeinated drinks can reduce a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant," noted lead author Sean Ward.
"This provides an intriguing explanation as to why women with high caffeine consumption often take longer to conceive than women who do not consume caffeine."