Exact Answer: 3 Months (Approx)

In the world of various antibiotics, doxycycline is something that one may call “the supreme antibiotic”. Not only does it easily demolishes bacteria that cause problems like intestinal infections, acne, gum disease, syphilis, an eye infection, or respiratory infections but also intracellular organisms which normal antibiotics fail to treat.

How Long After Taking Doxycycline Can I Conceive

How Long Should Someone Wait To Conceive After Being On Doxycycline?

Doxycycline, like any other antibiotic, can remain in one’s system for about three months. Therefore for best results, one should try after three months to conceive after stopping doxycycline doses for most effect.

Apart from this, it is advised to wait for some time before conceiving to rule out any future complications of the fetus as well as the mother.

Doxycycline, because of being a powerful antibiotic, has been reported to cause harm, when it comes to pregnancy. Although everything depends upon the amount of this antibiotic consumed by a pregnant woman or someone trying to conceive, the harmful effects are seen in most everyone. For instance,

Reduces the action of estrogen pills- Doxycycline Is reported to reduce the action of birth control on hormonal pills so you can use other ways of contraception while taking this antibiotic. Also before doing anything consult your doctor.

Congenital defects- It can also cause liver problems in pregnant women. This condition might be more prevalent during the second term of the pregnancy.

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Dental problems- Doxycycline contains properties that might pass through the mother’s mammary glands, to the breast milk. This will in the future damage tooth and bone development of the child. According to the doses taken by the mother, it can also cause discoloration of the teeth. 

Summary- The usage of doxycycline while pregnancy can cause harm or defects to the fetus, which might be untreatable. In some cases, it might be fatal.

Doxycycline
Consumption of Doxycycline While Pregnancy ByCan Lead To
Pregnant WomenDecreased Fetus Development
AnimalsEmbryofetal Toxicity

Why Does Conceiving Take That Long When Consuming Doxycycline?

The side-effects caused by consuming this antibiotic may not be that prevalent in the first few weeks but some can be a bit dangerous. Therefore at any point in time if any of these side-effects show up do not fail to contact your doctor immediately for the proper medical guidance. 

•Difficulty breathing, chest pains, heart palpitations 

•Nausea, dizziness, vision difficulties

•Loose motions, excessive diarrhea 

•Fever or body chills

•Stomach pains, reduced appetite 

•Tiredness

•Hives 

•Jaundice 

Some very common side-effects that are seen when consuming this antibiotic are nausea, tiredness, discharge, rashes, and mild diarrhea.

Also, like any other medication, if you are allergic to tetracycline, doxycycline, or other antibiotics namely, minocycline, tigecycline, or demeclocycline your doctor will advise you not to take these antibiotics.

Conceiving

Also if you are suffering from kidney problems, respiratory issues, liver problems, anxiety, or take any type of blood thinners then informing your doctor is very important so that all complications can be ruled out. Apart from these, there are some things to be kept in mind when consuming doxycycline. It is advised to not take any vitamin, laxative, iron, and calcium supplement within two hours of the antibiotic as it may harm the effect. Also stepping out in the sun without sunscreen or using tanning beds. Doxycycline increases the chances of getting sunburnt therefore wearing light clothes and applying sunscreen with a high SPF will be helpful.

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Conclusion

Doxycycline or Tetracycline fall under the powerful or superior categories of the antibiotic family, therefore consumption of these after 18 weeks of pregnancy should be stopped. Also, no matter what antibiotic you are consuming you should always consult your doctor if you are trying to conceive because the fetus might be harmed even in the short term. 

References

  1. https://europepmc.org/article/med/7048645
  2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/623501