Can men taking medication affect preconception?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my wife and I are actively preparing for pregnancy, but recently I took some medications, including antibiotics and fever reducers, due to a cold. I heard that medications might affect sperm quality and consequently impact our efforts to conceive. I would like to know, can medication really affect male fertility?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
The issue of whether medication use by men affects preconception health deserves attention. The impact of drugs on male fertility mainly depends on the type of medication, dosage, and duration of use. Generally, short-term use of common medications, such as cold medicine or antibiotics, has minimal effect on sperm quality, but certain specific medications may negatively affect sperm.
Some medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, antiviral drugs, antipsychotic drugs, or hormonal drugs, may negatively affect sperm quality and quantity, for example, by reducing sperm motility, increasing the rate of sperm abnormalities, or decreasing sperm count, thereby affecting the chances of conception or embryo health.
However, not all medications have negative effects on preconception health. Some commonly used medications, such as cold medicine, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, and antidepressants, generally do not significantly affect fertility when used appropriately under a doctor's guidance.
Men planning for pregnancy are advised to consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially if they are on long-term treatment or currently receiving medical care. In addition, men should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, dietary habits, and emotional well-being to improve sperm quality.
