Taking antibiotics 20 days prior to the embryo transfer

Hello DOC,

My embryo transfer, if no problem shows up, is scheduled for September 9. A friend of mine was prescribed Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin by her immunologist for 14 days, to take them during her IVF protocol along with other common medications.

My ob/gyn never mentioned anything about this… My STD tests showed negative results a year ago and I think being on antibiotics for no apparent reason is a nonsense, even if it’s within the IVF protocol. I mean why?

Is it convenient? Should I take them too?

Thx

Dear mary,

Taking antibiotics with no underlying cause may be counterproductive, so in principle it is not required. Anyways, my advice would be that you get tested for STDs again and then take antibiotics if an infection is detected, or if it’s suspected. But taking antibiotics for no reason is unadvisable.

You should follow your GYN’s instructions to the very detail to make the most out of your treatment.

Best wishes!