British sperm set to undergo for months after World Cup, well being skilled warns
A survey of 1,000 UK men suggests World Cup boozing could have consequences beyond the tournament, as experts warn even one heavy session may harm sperm quality for up to three months
Plenty of men are set to hit the booze hard during World Cup matches(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Many England fans are hitting the booze hard during the World Cup, but they may be unaware the fallout could last far longer than the final whistle.
Experts warn even one heavy session can affect sperm quality for months, meaning a summer of binge drinking could have consequences well into autumn 2026.
According to Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Affairs at MedExpress, just one session of excessive drinking can reduce sperm quality for up to three months.
To delve into this further, MedExpress conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,000 UK men to explore how their World Cup habits might have a lasting impact on their fertility this summer.
Experts warn even one heavy session can affect sperm quality for months(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Over a third of UK men planned to binge drink during World Cup matches, the survey revealed. More results showed:
- 35% of men plan to drink 3+ pints when watching World Cup matches
- 22% anticipate drinking over 5 pints while watching a match
- 5% said they’d consume 10 or more pints per match
Just one session of excessive drinking can reduce sperm quality for up to three months(Image: Getty Images)
Research supports that even a moderate alcohol intake of at least 5 units every week is linked to poorer sperm quality in otherwise healthy young men, which progressively worsens the higher the weekly tally of units.
Meaning many men might not be aware of the lasting impact their World Cup drinking habits could be having on their fertility.
Dr. Sophie Dix explains how binge drinking during the World Cup could impact male fertility until October 2026. She said: “With our survey anticipating nearly a third of men in the UK will be binge drinking over the summer, it’s important to highlight the health implications which will likely get overlooked, including male fertility.
“Alcohol has a huge impact on sperm quality and health, so much so that we often advise couples trying to conceive to cut out alcohol completely because of the lasting impact it can have. Research supports that heavy drinking can lead to lower sperm concentration, reduced total sperm count, and decreased motility.
“Most importantly, it takes approximately 70 to 90 days for your body to produce new, healthy sperm to counteract the impact of alcohol. Any alcohol drunk within this time will restart the process.
“This means the effects of a summer of heavy drinking could continue to impact fertility well into the autumn. While a couple of pints over the World Cup may seem harmless, it’s important for men, especially those trying to conceive, to be aware of how their drinking habits will have a lasting impact on their fertility long after the World Cup ends.”
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