Morphometric, Stereological, And Functional Changes In The Epididymis And Fertility Parameters In Rats Treated With Finasteride

This study investigated the effects of finasteride on the epididymis and sperm quality in rats. Acute (15 days) and chronic (56 days) treatments were administered, with some rats undergoing a 30-day recovery period post-treatment. Acute treatment caused some alterations in sperm membrane integrity, while chronic treatment led to significant changes, including reduced epididymal weight, morphometric and stereological alterations, decreased sperm transit time and motility, compromised sperm membrane integrity, and reduced fertility parameters. Even after a 30-day recovery period, sperm quality remained impaired, indicating the need for further research on the long-term effects of DHT depletion and the potential for full recovery of fertility parameters post-finasteride treatment.