Can Drinking Coffee When Trying to Conceive Affect Fertility

Elizabeth King
Dec 29, 2025
4 min read

If you’re staring into your morning mug and wondering,“

Can I still drink this if I’m trying to get pregnant?”

You’re not alone.

Caffeine and conception can feel like a confusing mix — especially when every source seems to say something different.

So let’s bring some grounded clarity to the table. Because your fertility journey deserves truth, not fear. And yes — coffee can still have a place in it.

Pregnant woman in white holding her belly and a cup, seated in a softly lit room with neutral colors, evoking a calm and peaceful mood.

TLDR;

You can drink coffee when trying to conceive. For most people, up to 200 mg of caffeine per day (about one small to medium cup) is considered safe. Higher amounts may affect ovulation, implantation, stress hormones, or sperm quality in some individuals.

Coffee is generally fine during the two-week wait, especially if it doesn’t increase anxiety. Having coffee after food rather than on an empty stomach may better support hormone balance. Fertility is about balance, not perfection — and small comforts can still have a place in your TTC journey.

☕ Can You Drink Coffee When Trying to Get Pregnant?

Yes. For most people, one small-to-medium cup of coffee per day (about 200 mg of caffeine) is considered safe while trying to conceive.

It’s not about perfection — it’s about awareness, balance, and what your body needs.

⚖️ How Caffeine Affects Fertility

Caffeine is a stimulant. It impacts your nervous system, adrenal function, hormones, and blood flow — all key players in reproductive health.

For some, it has minimal effects.

For others, especially those sensitive to stress, anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations, it can influence ovulation, sleep, or implantation potential.

But this doesn’t mean caffeine is “bad.”It means you get to decide how it serves (or doesn’t serve) you.

🩸 Does Caffeine Affect Ovulation?

In high amounts, yes — it can.

Some studies link excessive caffeine to disrupted estrogen levels and reduced blood flow to reproductive organs, which may interfere with ovulation.

But in moderate amounts (under 200 mg daily)? Caffeine hasn’t been shown to negatively affect ovulation in most people.

If your cycle is regular and you're ovulating consistently, one cup a day is likely safe. If you're dealing with irregular periods or hormonal imbalances, consider dialing back to see if it makes a difference.

🧬 Does Caffeine Affect Fertility Overall?

Here’s what studies suggest about too much caffeine while TTC:

Delayed conception
Disrupted sleep (which can affect hormone regulation)
Increased cortisol (your body’s stress hormone)
Possible impact on implantation

But moderate intake (≤ 200 mg/day) doesn’t significantly impair fertility for most individuals.

🧔 Can Caffeine Affect Male Fertility?

Yes — it can impact sperm health in some men.

High caffeine intake has been linked to:

Reduced sperm motility
Lower sperm count
DNA fragmentation

That said, moderate caffeine intake doesn’t appear to pose major risks.

If you're wondering, “Does caffeine affect sperm quality or male fertility?” — the key takeaway is this:

Stay balanced. Keep intake moderate. Avoid energy drinks. (They often contain other fertility-disrupting ingredients.)

🕰️ Is Coffee Okay During the Two-Week Wait?

Absolutely — as long as it doesn’t trigger anxiety or overstimulation for you.

There’s no solid evidence that a moderate amount of caffeine interferes with implantation.

But if you find that coffee increases stress or jitters during the emotional intensity of the two-week wait, it might be helpful to cut back — not because it’s harmful, but because your nervous system matters.

🌱 Is Coffee Good for Implantation?

Coffee doesn’t directly support implantation, and in high doses, caffeine may reduce blood flow to the uterus.

What truly supports implantation:

Stable hormones
Deep sleep
Nourishing meals
Hydration
Emotional regulation
A sense of safety in your body

That’s what matters most.

🌄 Should I Avoid Coffee First Thing in the Morning?

You don’t need to skip your morning ritual — but try this instead:

Eat first, then sip. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol and stress your adrenals — both of which affect hormone balance.

Pair coffee with breakfast, or add protein/fat (like collagen or nut milk) to buffer your blood sugar.

❌ What to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

Here are things to limit or eliminate on your TTC journey:

Excess caffeine (>200 mg/day)
Energy drinks
Smoking/vaping
Alcohol (especially heavy or frequent use)
Poor sleep hygiene
Chronic, unmanaged stress

Coffee doesn’t have to go — it just needs boundaries.

Listen to Your Body (Not Just the Internet)

Your fertility journey is personal. If coffee helps you feel grounded and comforted — and your body responds well — let it be part of your rhythm.

If it feels overstimulating, skip it or swap for something gentler. There’s no one-size-fits-all here.

You don’t have to eliminate joy to increase your chances. You just have to meet your body with awareness and compassion.