The effects of AD on likelihood of first childbirth were stronger for women than men in both cohorts. Findings that alcoholic women may be at heightened risk for delayed reproduction are consistent with research documenting reproductive dysfunctions for women at lower levels of alcohol consumption, compared to men. Evidence of gender differences in physiological vulnerability to alcohol effects also support increased risk for women. Although men drink more frequently than women and consume more alcohol on average (Fillmore, Golding, Leino, Motoyoshi, Shoemaker et al., 1997; Wilsnack, Vogeltanz, Wilsnak, & Harris, 2000), drink for drink, women absorb more alcohol into their system and with higher blood alcohol levels, the intoxicating effects of alcohol occur more quickly and last longer (CDC, 2006; NIAAA, 1999).
