Propecia and fertility. Does propecia lower fertility?

Tough question. While most
studies have shown that while finasteride can decrease ejaculate volume in some
men, most indicate it does not change fertility. There have been small studies
looking at men with low initial sperm counts that did indicate the discontinuation
of finasteride led to an increased sperm count. Couples planning for children
should discuss their comfort level in taking any medication including
finasteride. In my practice I have some men that stop taking finasteride and
others that continue throughout the pregnancy without issues. My advice is
usually to continue the finasteride but keep the pills away from the mother
because there is concern of birth defects in a pregnant female that absorbs the
medication thru her skin.

Men with the signs of male
pattern baldness may be good candidates for finasteride. This prescription
medication is many times a logical first step in addressing thinning, before or
sometime s concurrently with hair restoration surgery. It typically works
better on the crown than the front, although I have seen in practice some men
in the very early stages that did have changes on the hairline with
finasteride. The hair loss will likely increase with age to some degree
regardless of your taking finasteride but at a much slower rate. The goal is to
keep as much native hair as possible while other, possibly stronger, methods of
prevention are researched. If you decide against finasteride then treatments
such as Minoxidil (either over the counter or a compounded version), Laser and
Stem Cell Therapy often yield positive results with my patients.

If you are concerned with
thinning hair, it is wise to address it early. Find a physician that
specializes in hair restoration and come in to discuss options and maintain a
relationship to track the progression whether you are considering surgery or
not. As with most health concerns, prevention is key :)

Dr. Christopher Varona, DO

Ziering Medical

Propecia seems to work well with most patients however I have had many patients that have reported a decreased interest in sexual activity. I had 1 patient that had been on the product for 5 years with no issues and then it happened etc...So with any medication there will always be a risk. You have to decide if the reward is worth the risk.

The consensus is that it Propecia probably will not affect fertility, but there may be risks.  A 2012 revision to both the Propecia and Proscar labels include a description of reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality that normalized or improved after drug discontinuation.If you are concerned about this then speak to your doctor.