Is there an increased risk for birth defects if the baby’s father is taking Finasteride?

Question

2- Is there any way to decrease the risk by for example discontinue talking finasteride when Planning to have a baby ?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Finasteride (Propecia) is for men only.  It does not cause birth defects if a man is taking it.  If you are still worried about your perceived risks, stop taking the medication while you are trying to conceive.  More importantly, you should speak to your doctor about these concerns.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If a WOMAN takes finasteride (not a man), the drug may impact the sexual development of the fetus. This has been well documented. For men, considering that Propecia has been used by millions of men, to my knowledge, there has been not reported case of such birth defects in men who father children, so it is safe.

Jonathan Ballon, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Finasteride is not found in semen, so there is zero risk of a baby having a birth defect because the father was taking the drug. On the other hand, women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not take finasteride, or handle crushed or broken pills, because of the possible effects on a developing  baby.

Is there an increased risk for birth defects if the baby’s father is taking Finasteride?

Answers (3)

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