This article is provided by Dr. Hoang Thi Anh Tuyet from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
1. What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medications that can kill bacteria responsible for infections that harm human health. However, antibiotics do not eliminate all types of bacteria, and some strong bacteria can continue to grow and spread.
For bacterial infections, antibiotics are often administered through injections into a vein or muscle. Once the infection is under control, additional antibiotics may be given in pill form.
It is crucial for patients to follow their doctor's prescribed duration for taking antibiotics to ensure that the infectious bacteria are completely eradicated from the body. It is important to note that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, and overusing them can lead to various unpredictable consequences.
2. Do antibiotics affect fertility?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that taking antibiotics affects women's fertility. Research indicates that antibiotics do not negatively impact the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, or conception, meaning they are not a cause of infertility. Taking antibiotics can help women conceive more easily by treating infections that may hinder the conception process. Antibiotic therapy can strengthen the reproductive system, which may be weakened by infection, thereby improving a woman's ability to become pregnant.
Some antibiotics, including tetracycline, penicillin, and erythromycin, can harm sperm production and men’s fertility. Additionally, certain other antibiotics may reduce semen quality. However, if couples stop using antibiotics at the appropriate time when they are planning to conceive, they should not be overly concerned about the risk of infertility associated with these medications.
3. Do antibiotics taken before pregnancy have any effects?
To assess the safety of antibiotics for a fetus, even before conception, it is important to refer to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) classification system regarding drug use during pregnancy. The potential effects of antibiotics on a fetus do not solely depend on the drug’s elimination from the body.
Typically, antibiotics have a clearance time of about 3 hours to 6 days, depending on the specific medication, and they usually have minimal impact on the body after the medication has been discontinued. After the aforementioned time frame, it is unlikely that any drug remnants remain in the system. However, to ensure that antibiotics are fully cleared from the body, women should wait for an additional 7 to 10 days after stopping the medication before trying to conceive. For those who have taken antibiotics for a urinary tract infection that has not been completely resolved, it is important to seek re-evaluation and ensure the infection is fully treated before planning a pregnancy.
Medical professionals advise before getting pregnant that, from a medication safety standpoint, couples should consider waiting about one month after finishing a course of antibiotics before attempting to conceive.
To promote the health of pregnant women and ensure the optimal development of the fetus, couples must consult a doctor for guidance when planning a pregnancy after taking or recently stopping antibiotics.
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