TTC on antibiotics - Safe or Not? Feedback appreciated

[tarjen14]

Hello all,
TTC at the moment, but I'm currently on antibiotics to treat a UTI infection.
Dr says type of antibiotic is safe for pregnancies (Cefalexin), however he advised me to avoid conceiving while I'm on the medication.

Unfortunately UTIs are a common burden for me... I'd hate to think I would have to put my TTC life on hold every time I'm on medication to treat this.

Is my Dr being over cautious, or should I be taking his advice?

[MummaOJ]

I would probably try and get rid of the uti before ttc, thus be off the antibiotics - caution is good as the effects on conception of antibiotics is probably hard to test.
I had a uti detected when I had my pregnancy confirmed (5w) and was put on antibiotics, but obviously I was already pregnant so that doesn't help sorry.

[Ngaiz]

Cephalexin is definitely safe, category A. Strange choice for a uti but safe. Did you do a urine test to see what strain of bacteria it is?

I too suffer from regular uti's, plenty of water and daily cranberry has helped.

Eta-I think he's being cautious due to a lack of data. Some antibiotics are proven to have a positive effect on CM making it more 'sticky'.

[ricepudding]

I had a UTI when 3 weeks pregnant (so TTC as far as i knew) and another at 6 weeks.

The first time I was prescribed antibiotics and checked with the doctor they were safe given we were TTC. She changed the script from the Category B drug she had prescribed, to Cephalexin/Ceflex which is Category A. I had the same antibiotics when I got the next infection.

Both the doctor and the pharmacist reassured me the category A antibiotics were safe.

if you're worried, give the Drug Info Line at Monash Medical Centre a call. They are amazing. They will explain to you what Category A means, the risks of taking them etc. This will help you make an informed decision much better than someone like me!

[Oblena]

I was on antibiotics years ago for a trip to India- the antibiotics were to prevent malaria - the info sheet that came with it said conceiving while on them could result in birth deformities.

[Ngaiz]

That's correct, Doxycycline and Malarone shouldn't be taken, but Keflex is fine.

Op-you can go to the TGA website and it will also explain it.

[tarjen14]

Thanks for all your replies.
Calling the Drug Info Line sounds like a good idea. It can be a pretty divided debate actually, but after doing some research I'm finding a lot more positives than negatives about TTC while on this antibiotic.

Thanks everyone.

[tarjen14]

Hi Ngaiz,
I have been prescribed Trimethoprim for UTIs before, but Dr gave me Cefalexin as he felt the symptoms I had would be treated better with it (more aggressive treatment than Trimethoprim). I didn't find out what strain of bacteria it was, but it was definitely a more severe UTI than usual. Man I hate them
Thanks for your reply

[Ngaiz]

Tell me about it I have an underlying kidney condition so I'm prone to them. They're horrible.

[Mum2EandR]

I think it might more be a case of having sex while you have a UTI, rather than the antibiotics... I was on cephalexin several times throughout my pregnancy for UTI's all good and approved by my obs!

However I have just finished a course this week for a UTI (not pregnant) and was advised to finish the course before having sex to avoid further exchange of bacteria etc