Tubal Reversal Center patients often want to boost their fertility. Our Fertility Boost series is designed for just that. This week we’re covering caffeine.
Does caffeine affect fertility? Some studies have shown that caffeine consumption can extend the amount of time it takes to conceive. One study showed that women who drank more than one cup of coffee per day were 50% less likely to become pregnant per cycle than those who consumed less or no caffeine.
Caffeine has also been linked to miscarriages. A 2008 study showed that women who consumed more than 200mg of caffeine per day had twice the amount of miscarriages compared to those consuming less.
Other studies have shown no correlation between caffeine consumption and fertility. But if you’re trying to get pregnant after a tubal reversal, don’t you want to do everything possible to help?
How To Wean Off of Caffeine
We have had numerous tubal reversal clients report to us about quitting caffeine. They often report increased energy levels and a newfound freedom from not having to have coffee before feeling good in the morning. If you want to do the same, here are some guidelines.
Quitting caffeine cold turkey can cause bad headaches, fatigue, and other side effects. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant, and without it, your body will make it clear that it’s not happy. Therefore it’s important to taper your caffeine consumption.
If you’re drinking more than two cups a day, begin by cutting down by one cup per day until you are down to two cups per day. Then drink only half a cup at your two coffee times. If that doesn’t work for you, pour a full cup of half decaf, half regular. After 2-3 days of this, cut out the second cup and just have one half cup of coffee in the morning. After 2-3 days of this, cut out coffee out altogether or have one cup of decaf in the morning. Decaffeinated coffee still has caffeine in it, so keep it to one cup of decaf per day.
If you love your morning cup of hot liquid (which I do), try a coffee substitute. Rooibos tea is very yummy and caffeine free. Decaffeinated Earl Grey or English breakfast tea can also be a good substitute. Decaffeinated coffee works, too. A mug of steamed milk with a bit of creamer can be tasty, as well, and packs added calcium.
It’s important to identify sources of caffeine that you may not be aware of, such as chocolate and coffee flavored ice cream. Below are some common sources of caffeine and their amount.
| Source | Caffeine Amount* |
| 8 oz brewed coffee | 150 mg |
| 1 shot espresso | 47-75 mg |
| 12 oz caffeinated soda | 35-50 mg |
| Red Bull | 75-80 mg |
| 5 Hour Energy | 200-207 mg |
| 8 oz Black Tea | 14-70 mg |
| Green Tea | 24-45 mg |
| 8 oz brewed decaf coffee | 2-12 mg |
| Decaf Black Tea | 0-12 mg |
| Decaf Espresso | 0-15 mg |
| VitaminWater Energy Flavor | 50 mg |
| Dark Chocolate, 1 oz | 12 mg |
| Coffee Ice Cream, ½ cup | 30-45 mg |
| 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips | 104 mg |
*Average amounts. Actual amounts may vary.
We love to hear from our Tubal Reversal Center clients! Have you ever quit caffeine? If so, how did you do it, and how did you feel? Any favorite coffee substitutes of yours? Let us know in the comment section below!