Does coffee have spermicidal effect?

Does coffee have spermicidal effect?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and many people drink several cups every day. However, there is controversy about the effects of coffee on fertility health. One common question is: Does coffee have spermicidal effects? This article will explore this question from a scientific perspective.

1. Ingredients in coffee

First, we need to understand what ingredients are in coffee. Coffee beans contain a large number of bioactive compounds, including caffeine, phenolic compounds, and various antioxidants. The most well-known of these is caffeine.

According to research, moderate intake of caffeine can refresh, increase concentration and improve athletic ability. However, consuming too much caffeine at high doses may cause adverse reactions such as palpitations, insomnia and anxiety.

2. What studies support the “spermicidal” claim?

As early as the early 1980s, some studies claimed that coffee could have adverse effects on sperm. These studies found that, under laboratory conditions, exposing sperm to culture medium containing caffeine led to decreased sperm motility and increased morphological abnormalities.

In addition, a large-scale epidemiological survey on men's health also found related results, which showed that men who consumed too much caffeine had a higher risk of low-quality sperm and fertility problems.

3. What studies have disproven the “spermicide” theory?

However, not all research supports the sperm-killing claim. Many other scientific studies have found no clear link between coffee and fertility.

For example, a 2017 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed 16 relevant studies and concluded that there was no significant relationship between moderate caffeine intake and male fertility.

4. Moderation is key

Overall, the scientific community is not in agreement on whether coffee has a spermicidal effect. However, moderate coffee consumption seems to be a general consensus.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a daily intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine is considered safe for adults. This is equivalent to about 4 standard cups of coffee (each cup is about 240 ml).

5. Conclusion

In summary, although some early studies claim that coffee has spermicidal effects, there is currently no consensus in the scientific community. Moderate coffee consumption does not have a significant effect on male fertility.

However, there may be exceptions due to individual differences and specific circumstances. If you are concerned about your or your partner's reproductive health, please seek help and advice from a professional doctor in a timely manner.