TLDR Products should be called 'sperm-safe' only after thorough, well-designed tests.
The review highlighted the adverse effects of various environmental, industrial, and pharmaceutical toxins on male reproductive potential and emphasized the lack of adequate pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological effects. It concluded that products should only be described as 'sperm-safe' after objective, well-designed experimental studies, rather than relying on assumptions or extrapolations from similar products. The authors called for the adoption of the precautionary principle to protect fertility potential, offspring health, and future generations.
185 citations,
June 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
926 citations,
June 2010 in “BMC Medicine” Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that affects women's mental, reproductive, and metabolic health throughout their lives.
284 citations,
February 2008 in “Pediatrics” Chemicals and body size might change when puberty starts and progresses, but more research is needed to confirm this.
23 citations,
July 2007 in “Archives of Andrology” Finasteride may negatively affect male fertility.
195 citations,
May 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
34 citations,
January 2004 in “Revista do Hospital das Clínicas” Finasteride may worsen infertility in men with existing issues, but stopping it can improve sperm health.
104 citations,
October 2000 in “The Journal of Urology” Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.
