[Medical Q&A] Why do doctors recommend “stopping medication for 3 months” before getting pregnant?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Zhao Jie, Chief Pharmacist Professor of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

This is related to the development speed of follicles and the time required for spermatogenesis to maturity.

The development of follicles in women of childbearing age is a continuous growth process, which is generally divided into four stages: primordial follicles (follicles in a dormant state), primary follicles, secondary follicles and mature follicles. The development of follicles is relatively slow, and it takes about 90 days for a primordial follicle to develop into a mature follicle. The meiosis of spermatogenic cells in human embryos begins in puberty, and sperm is continuously produced throughout the reproductive age of men. Human spermatogenesis generally requires 4 spermatogenic epithelial cycles, each cycle takes 16 days, so spermatogenesis takes 64 days. The sperm produced by the seminiferous tubules enters the epididymis for about 14 days. Therefore, it takes at least 80 days for a sperm to mature from generation to maturity. Generally speaking, it is best for women to stop taking certain oral medications for 3 months before starting to prepare for pregnancy. Men who want to prepare for pregnancy generally need to stop taking medications for at least 3 months.

Although many drugs can affect the development of eggs and sperm, it does not mean that all drugs have such an effect. The health status of parents often has a greater impact on the health of the fetus than drugs. Before taking the medicine, you should listen carefully to the advice of clinicians and pharmacists; when taking the medicine, follow the doctor's orders and use the medicine according to the requirements of the drug instructions. Do not increase or decrease the dose at will. At the same time, pay attention to whether there is information such as "use with caution", "prohibited" and "avoid use" for pregnant women and breastfeeding women on the drug instructions. Both husband and wife should also pay attention to rest, avoid fatigue, and quit smoking and drinking. Only by keeping a good mood and "raising" healthy eggs and sperm can a healthy baby be conceived.