As is already well known, ethanol is the active ingredient in alcohol, which affects the central nervous system. Initially, alcohol consumption produces a certain boost in mood, disinhibition, and euphoria. Due to increased consumption, a certain degree of drowsiness, confusion and slower reflexes follows. However, continued intake increases ethanol level in the blood, which results in a depression-like effect at the brain level, diminishing the neuronal activity, which later causes slower movements, loss of vision or even alcohol intoxication.
The chronic consumption of alcohol may cause peripheral nerve injuries, amnesia, unstable gait and posture, and cerebral structure alterations.
Moderate doses of alcohol (100 mg dL or less per day) increase the sexual drive in men, but it simultaneously can decrease the erection capacity. In women, its excessive consumption may diminish the size of ovaries and cause menstruation to disappear and spontaneous abortions.
Alcohol during pregnancy has a teratogenic effect and may affect multiple organs and systems, causing the death of some cells, especially those of the central nervous system. The alcohol also influences the foetal growth delay. To a large extent, this is related to tobacco (common among people consuming alcohol), causing vasoconstriction of the umbilical vessels, and, therefore, affecting the nutrition of the foetus.
Although the teratogenic effect can depend on the quantity of consumed alcohol, today is unknown what dose of alcohol will not cause gestation problems. Some speculate that light or moderate intake (1 drink per day equivalent to 12.5 g of alcohol) could be acceptable. Other studies warn that low quantities may also have harmful effects. Therefore, given the lack of convincing evidence of its outcome on pregnancy and the adverse effects and malformations that it can cause, it must be stated emphatically that there is no level of alcohol that can be taken without adverse effects during pregnancy.
Women consuming more than two drinks per day during the first trimester are at higher risk of abortion, and when the intake reaches the 7th month, premature births and the number of underweight newborns increase.
Note that when alcohol intake is high, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome can occur. This syndrome leads to facial malformations: eyelids, nose and lips are affected, and affectation and atrophy of brain organs.
Fertility-wise alcohol can affect follicle and oocyte growth and maturation, and lead to a lower rate of fertilization and implantation, which occur both in natural reproduction and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. On the other hand, it can produce an increase in abortions.
In men, alcohol produces a decrease in spermatozoid quantity and mobility and anomalies in their morphology.
To sum up, we can say that even though there is no evidence that low alcohol intake can negatively affect reproduction due to all potential adverse effects it is essential to advise the couples trying to conceive to consume less alcohol or completely avoid it.
PICTURE: https://www.aarp.org/espanol/salud/vida-saludable/info-2020/como-disminuir-el-consumo-de-alcohol.html
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