Antibiotics are a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections. They don’t work on viral infections like colds and flu. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, it’s because you have a bacterial infection that your doctor thinks needs medical treatment.
Medications of all kinds can affect sperm quality and male fertility. Infertility is a surprisingly common problem, and male infertility plays a role in as many as 40% of cases.
So, how do antibiotics affect sperm and male fertility? And, specifically, how long do antibiotics affect sperm? We’ll take a closer look at the relationship between antibiotic use and sperm health in this article.
Understanding Antibiotics
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections in your body. For example, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if you develop a urinary tract infection, strep throat, or whooping cough. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, like the ones that cause colds or the flu.
There are several different classes of antibiotics, and they don’t all work the same way. Some antibiotics prevent bacteria from building cell walls, while others interfere with the way bacteria make proteins. Without cell walls or proteins, bacteria can’t survive.
Why Antibiotics are Used
Antibiotics are essential for treating a wide range of bacterial illnesses, some of which can be deadly if left untreated.
It’s important to use antibiotics properly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and complete the full course of medication, even if you start feeling better before you finish the pills. If you don’t take antibiotics the way you’re supposed to, you could contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing problem worldwide.
How Antibiotics May Affect Sperm Quality
It’s worth understanding how antibiotics may affect sperm quality, since some research suggests a connection. Some antibiotics may have a negative effect on sperm, potentially leading to fertility problems. It’s important to remember that the effects of antibiotics can vary depending on which antibiotic is used, the dosage, and how long someone takes it.
Potential Negative Impacts
Some research suggests antibiotics may lead to:
- Reduced sperm motility (movement)
- DNA damage in sperm
- Lower sperm count
- Changes in how sperm function
Animal Studies
A lot of the research we have comes from animal studies. Researchers have studied antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, ceftazidime, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in animals.
These studies have shown:
- Ciprofloxacin in mice led to DNA damage in sperm cells and lower rates of fertilization.
- Ceftazidime and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid reduced sperm motility in rats. The higher the dose, the lower the motility.
- Tetracycline and doxycycline, when given to mice during puberty, caused changes in the testes that affected sperm quality.
Human Studies
It’s important to note that there’s less research available on humans compared to animals.
However, some studies have shown potential negative effects in men with specific conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One study suggested that more than half of male patients with IBD experienced some level of infertility, possibly due to the medications they were taking, including antibiotics.
How long do antibiotics affect sperm?
Sperm development, called spermatogenesis, is a lengthy process. A complete sperm life cycle takes around 90 days. Because of this, it can take two to three months for the effects of a medication to show up in a semen analysis.
The good news is that the effects of antibiotics (or the infection they are treating) should resolve within a few months. One mouse study even showed that chromosomal changes caused by antibiotics faded over time.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. How antibiotics affect sperm depends on a number of factors, including your overall health, the antibiotic dosage, and how long you took the medication. Underlying illnesses, especially those that cause a fever, can also negatively affect sperm count for up to two months after you recover.
When can antibiotics improve fertility?
While antibiotics can sometimes negatively impact sperm, they can also improve fertility by clearing up underlying infections. For example:
- Epididymitis: Up to 60% of men with this infection experience decreased sperm development.
- Prostatitis and prostatovesiculitis: One study showed that antibiotics improved sperm count and pregnancy rates in men with these infections.
- Pyospermia or leukocytospermia: A review of patients showed that antibiotics significantly improved sperm concentration, appearance, and motility.
In these cases, antibiotics work by eliminating the infection, which reduces inflammation and helps improve sperm quality.
Other Medications and Sperm Health
It’s important to remember that antibiotics aren’t the only medications that can potentially affect sperm, and some over-the-counter medications like NyQuil may also have an impact. Male infertility plays a role in as many as 40% of infertility cases, and both lifestyle factors and exposure to environmental contaminants found in products like perfume can impact sperm health.
Here are a few examples of medications that might affect sperm, including common pain relievers like paracetamol:
- NSAIDs: High doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (for example, 1,200 mg daily) have been shown to negatively affect fertility.
- Testosterone supplements: Taking supplemental testosterone can cause sperm count to drop to zero.
- Chemotherapy drugs: Since chemotherapy is designed to kill rapidly dividing cells, it can kill sperm cells, too.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs): Using certain antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for longer than a month has been linked to lower sperm production.
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, it’s always a good idea to discuss all medications with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks and explore alternative options if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do antibiotics stay in your system?
The amount of time antibiotics remain in your system varies depending on the specific antibiotic, the dosage, your metabolism, and kidney function. Generally, most antibiotics are cleared from your body within a few days to a week after your last dose. However, some effects on gut bacteria might last longer.
What are the signs that a man is fertile?
There aren’t easily observable signs of male fertility. A semen analysis, performed by a healthcare professional, is the most reliable way to assess sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). Factors like healthy lifestyle, diet, and hormone levels also contribute to fertility.
Is it bad to take antibiotics while trying to conceive?
While some studies suggest antibiotics might temporarily affect sperm quality, it’s generally considered safe to take them when necessary while trying to conceive. If you’re concerned, discuss the specific antibiotic with your doctor and consider a semen analysis after completing the course.
How soon can I get pregnant after treating PID?
After successful treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), it’s generally recommended to wait at least one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive. This allows your body to recover and ensures the infection is completely cleared. Talk to your doctor about the best timing for you.
Do antibiotics mess up sperm?
Research suggests that some antibiotics may temporarily affect sperm parameters like count, motility, and morphology. However, these effects are usually reversible once the antibiotic is stopped. The severity and duration of the effect can vary depending on the specific antibiotic and individual factors.
In Summary
If you’re trying to conceive, or you’re undergoing fertility treatments, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor about any medications you’re taking, including antibiotics.
If you’ve been taking antibiotics, you might want to wait a few months after you’ve finished your course of treatment before trying fertility treatments or testing/freezing your sperm. This can give your sperm the time it needs to recover from any temporary effects of the medication and ensure the accuracy of your test results.
Also, remember that a healthy lifestyle is key to overall sperm health. The healthier you are, the healthier your sperm will be.
Finally, if you need to take a medication that can’t be discontinued, you might want to look into sperm-freezing options. This can give you more control over your fertility journey.