Things to Consider Before You Make That Coffee Date

Thinking about having kids one day? You're not alone.  Women in their 20s often find themselves thinking about or planning to start a family. Even if you're not pregnant, its important to understand how 'everyday' behaviors and habits can impact your ability to have children one day. A recent study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that caffeine may hamper fertility in women by relaxing the muscles of the fallopian tube, which brings the eggs from the ovaries to the womb.

So what does this mean to you? First and foremost, don't let this study stop you from having that coffee date with your girlfriends or with that guy you just met on match.com. Having a caffeinated drink every once in awhile won't hurt you. If you find yourself having 3 or more coffee/caffeinated drinks a day, you may risk the following side effects:

• Rapid heart rate.
• Tremors.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Urinating frequently.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Anxiety and restlessness.
• Feeling depressed.

But wait! There's two sides to every story. If you drink coffee/caffeinated drinks in moderation, you can enjoy the positive effects, including:

• Protect yourself against breast cancer.
• Prevent strokes.
• Reduce risks of diabetes.
• Improve brain function.
• Reduce prostate cancer risk.

Bottom line: With everything else that we drink or eat, keep your caffeine consumption in moderation. Find alternatives to that energy boost through excercise or a full 8 hours of sleep.

*Photo Credit: Glamour Magazine