As a tetracycline antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body, Doxycycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections; everything from acne to urinary tract infections. Doxycycline is also used to decrease the chance of infection from the IVF process, and therefore may increase a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant. The first administration of Doxycycline will commence on the day of egg retrieval, or 3 days prior to embryo transfer. During this time, Doxycycline will prevent infections from occurring after the retrieval and limit the chance of bacteria being introduced at embryo transfer.
A tetracycline derivative is also given to the male partner during the female’s stimulation cycle. Taken orally, this antibiotic reduces the low levels of bacteria usually found in semen, which may damage the sperm and compromise its level of performance during the IVF cycle. To be on the safe side, the drug is even administered to men without symptoms or any other evidence of infection.
How to Use Doxycycline
If you have questions concerning how you should take Doxycycline, you should refer to the directions on the prescription label, or ask a physician. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. You should never crush, break, or open a delayed-release capsule or tablet. Doxycycline is an enteric coated pill, meaning it has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking or damaging the drug may cause may cause the drug to be released all at one time.
Doxycycline is to be taken the first night after an hCG shot is administered, until all of the medication is gone. After that, Doxycycline should be taken by mouth twice a day for 5 days. It should also be taken at least 1 or 2 hours before eating a meal because it can easily upset a stomach. However, this may not be true with all brands of this type of medication, and some might advise against taking Doxycycline with food. One should always take Doxycycline with a full glass of water (8 ounces), in addition to drinking plenty of liquids continuously while on the medication. It is strongly advised that you do not take your morning dose of Doxycycline on the day of your egg retrieval until you return home, since you will not have eaten anything that morning.
While taking Doxycycline, you should not expose yourself to the sun or tanning beds for long periods of time because the medication can cause a severe skin rash. If you must be outdoors, be sure to use protective sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) Avoidance of the UV rays should continue two weeks after taking doxycycline.
Minor side effects include: diarrhea; itching of the rectum or vagina; sore mouth. Some side effects can be serious. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms: severe headache, blurred vision, skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
References
Doxycycline. (2014, July 24). Retrieved from www.nlm.nih.gov: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682063.html
Doxycycline. (2014, June 14). Retrieved from www.drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/doxycycline.html
Drugs & Medications – doxycycline hyclate oral. (2005-2014). Retrieved from www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-7073-doxycycline+-+oral.aspx?drugid=8648&drugname=doxycycline+hyclate+oral
