Everyone knows that future moms shouldn't drink, but people often forget about the fact that future dads should be sober too.
Researchers found that the negative effects of alcohol on sperm last much longer than previously thought, extending beyond a month.
Let's find out more about the discovery.
How It Was Discovered
The study revealed that even during the withdrawal process, when someone stops drinking, the father's sperm continues to be negatively impacted by alcohol consumption.
The withdrawal process takes over a month, and the oxidative stress on the liver during this time sends signals to the reproductive system, influencing sperm with potential negative outcomes.
One significant risk associated with paternal drinking is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which can cause facial defects, low birth weight, attention issues, and poor coordination in children.
Current diagnostic practices only consider maternal alcohol consumption, leaving out the potential impact of paternal drinking on FAS.
Why It's Important
Golding's research aims to change the narrative and encourage couples planning to conceive to be aware of the impact of paternal alcohol consumption, suggesting abstinence at least three months before conception to prevent birth defects.
Recently, we have talked about distinguishing care from control.
