Does Finasteride (Propecia) cause infertility?

Question

I know Finasteride has a lot of side effects among of which are and most importantly the sexual side effects including ED etc... My question is: Does it affect one permanently and to an extent that he become infertile?

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Finasteride can reduce sperm count in some men and this has the potential to cause secondary infertility in some men.  Not all men experience this issue. For men who do have a reduction in sperm count, once the finasteride is stopped the sperm counts rise. Dutasteride (another 5 alpha reductase inhibitor) has rarely been reported to cause more persistent and long lasting reductions in sperm count.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Although you dont become infertile, you may have Post-finasteride syndrome, occurs in men who’ve taken finasteride to treat hair loss by a chance of %4-5. That may causes some symptoms include: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, panic attacks, Peyronie’s disease, penile shrinkage, gynecomastia, muscle atrophy, cognitive impairment, insomnia, severely dry skin and tinnitus. The condition often has a life-altering impact on victims and their families, such as job loss and the breakup of marriages and romantic relationships..

Rae Lynne Kinler, MD · Answer

according to the literature, finasteride has not been shown to cause infertility. if this is a concern, you should discuss with your hair restoration physician.

Gregory Michael Bazell, MD · Answer

Infertility is not a known side effect of finasteride.  I recommend contacting a doctor to discuss your concerns.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

There have not been any significant reports of infertility with finasteride, but it is possible as dutasteride is know to produce infertility on rare occasions.

Does Finasteride (Propecia) cause infertility?

Answers (5)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

My hair is thinning out and I can see my scalp through my hair clearly, is there any way to stop this process? (photo)

Can my hairloss be due to Lamictal, Lamotrigin? What is the term of my hairloss?

Can I apply minoxidil solution while there is a little hair oil on my scalp ?

Can baking soda permanently damage hair follicles or scalp?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS