Is it okay to take antibiotics before getting pregnant?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Hoang Thi Anh Tuyet - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Antibiotics are drugs capable of killing bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases that are harmful to human health. However, antibiotics do not completely kill all types of bacteria. The strongest bacteria can still grow and spread.

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are usually given by injection into a vein or muscle. Once the infection is under control, additional antibiotics are given in pill form.
Patients need to use antibiotics until the infectious bacteria are completely eliminated from the body - that is, strictly follow the time prescribed by the doctor. In particular, it should be noted that antibiotics have no effect on viruses. At the same time, antibiotics should not be abused because they can cause many unpredictable consequences.

There is currently no scientific evidence to prove that taking antibiotics affects a woman's fertility. Current studies show that antibiotics do not negatively affect the hormones that control the menstrual cycle, ovulation or conception, so it is not a cause of infertility. On the other hand, taking antibiotics also helps women get pregnant because of their ability to treat infections (factors that interfere with conception). Antibiotic therapy helps strengthen the reproductive system weakened by bacterial infections, thereby improving a woman's ability to get pregnant.
However, some antibiotics such as tetracycline, penicillin, erythromycin can also adversely affect sperm and sperm production in men. Certain other antibiotics can also reduce semen quality. However, as long as the right time to stop using antibiotics when planning to get pregnant, couples do not need to worry about the risk of infertility due to antibiotics.

To know the safety level of antibiotics for the fetus (even if not pregnant), it is necessary to rely on the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) classification system for risk. drug use during pregnancy. This also means that the effect of antibiotics on the fetus is not only based on the elimination of the drug.
Normally, antibiotics have a elimination time of about 3 hours - 6 days depending on the type of drug and have little effect on the body after stopping the drug. After taking the drug beyond the above time, there is almost no longer any component of the drug in the body. However, to make sure the antibiotic is completely eliminated, it is best for women to use extra protection for at least 7-10 days after stopping the drug. In case of using antibiotics due to urinary tract infections but still not completely cured, it is recommended to have a follow-up examination and treatment of the disease completely before planning to become pregnant.
According to doctors before becoming pregnant, from a drug perspective, to be safe for the baby, couples should get pregnant again after stopping taking antibiotics for about 1 month.
To ensure the health of the pregnant woman and the best development of the fetus, when taking antibiotics or having just stopped taking them and planning to become pregnant, couples should consult their doctor for advice. detailed problem.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital applies prenatal and newborn screening methods. To learn about Prenatal and Newborn Screening, as well as the all-inclusive Maternity care program at Vinmec International General Hospital.

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