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  • BCG, sex, and pregnancy

    Posted by jroza1 on March 21, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    So, maybe I am in a unique category for this, but being 37 (for a few more weeks) and even though I already have 2 adorable children my wife and I may not necessarily be done with kids. When I look up BCG and side-effects there are some that call out pregnancy clearly… like on this page:
    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/bcg.aspx

    “Men having this treatment can pass on BCG during sex. To protect your partner from coming into contact with BCG, you should not have sex for 48 hours after each treatment. Use a condom if you have sex at other times during the treatment course and for six weeks after treatment has ended.
    For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking BCG treatments. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant after therapy. ”

    When I spoke with my doctor, he didn’t have the same caution for me. It was more like, “Well wait for it to come out of your system, but there isn’t any real concern…” This now has me skiddish on the topic.

    Did anyone get warnings about sex, frequency, protection, pregnancy, or anything?

    Josh

    Alan replied 8 years, 6 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • Alan

    Member
    March 22, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    As my URO answered similar questions he said “If it was that toxic he wouldn’t let his nurses nor he administrate the drug”. Pre-caution and care are the key words.


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
  • Jroza1

    Member
    March 22, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    It seems less ominous now versus the first time I read the literature. I am just super concerned given the level of bleaching and care that needs to take place.

  • Alan

    Member
    March 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    “Men having this treatment can pass on BCG during sex. To protect your partner from coming into contact with BCG, you should not have sex for 48 hours after each treatment. Use a condom if you have sex at other times during the treatment course and for six weeks after treatment has ended.
    For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking BCG treatments. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant after therapy. ”

    That pretty well covers it! While non of us are doctors, I would presume once you are done after a sequence or course of 6 or 3, you should be ok a week later. At least that is what my uro says.


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
  • Razorbacktusk

    Member
    March 22, 2016 at 2:12 am

    My Doc said nada about sex.. i read the info he game me and googled stuff. recon those google hits are ultra safe concerns. i have googled and talked to my doc, the BCG stays in your bladder untill you wee it out and flush it a few times with lots of drink the same day you get the BCG.

    the only concern according to my doc is if your bladder is bleeding or not healed from TURP the BCG could get in the blood vains and thats a whole other problem. “The living bacteria can cause serious infection and allergic reactions if it is taken up in the blood stream. Serious reactions can include infection ofthe liver, lungs, kidneys, testes, bone and blood vessels. BCG is sensitive to antibiotics, but only
    certain antibiotics such as Cipro, Levaquin, Ofloxacin, isoniazid, rifampin and ethambutol. Themost serious BCG reaction is sepsis- blood stream infection associated with hypotension (low blood pressure or shock). When this occurs steroid treatment is also required.


    Feb 1st 2016 TUR grade 2, removed were 2 tumors and many tiny nodes, the 2 large ones were 3.5cm
    BCG maintenance in progress

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