Finasteride and Sperm Concentration: Rapid Systematic Review

October 2020 in “ Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology ”

Abdulmajeed Alajlan, Suliman Alfaraj

finasteride sperm concentration androgenic alopecia Propecia

Studysummary This analysis of seven studies explored the impact of finasteride (1mg/day for androgenic alopecia) on sperm concentration, finding that in most studies, sperm concentration increased after stopping treatment, but the largest study showed no change during or after treatment.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The systematic review examined the impact of finasteride (1mg/day) on sperm concentration in men with androgenic alopecia by analyzing seven studies involving 113 subjects. It found that, while most studies lacked baseline sperm concentration data, one large study with 91 subjects showed no significant change in sperm levels before, during, or after treatment. Some smaller studies suggested an increase in sperm concentration post-treatment, but the lack of baseline data makes these results inconclusive. The review concluded that finasteride seems safe for sperm concentration in the long term, though some short-term effects were observed, and recommended more research with baseline measurements for a definitive understanding.

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12 / 12 results

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

151 citations , May 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This review concluded that oral finasteride for men and topical minoxidil for both genders have the most evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety for treating androgenetic alopecia.

research Finasteride Use in the Male Infertility Population: Effects on Semen and Hormone Parameters

54 citations , September 2013 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that discontinuing finasteride led to a significant increase in sperm counts for most men with reduced fertility, though hormone levels and other semen parameters remained unchanged.

research Finasteride and Fertility: Case Report and Review of the Literature

5 citations , December 2012 in “PubMed”

This study describes the first reported case of a successful full-term pregnancy and live birth after long-term use of finasteride, suggesting it may not prevent normal conception despite initial severe oligospermia after discontinuation.

research Secondary Infertility Due to Use of Low-Dose Finasteride

15 citations , October 2012 in “International Urology and Nephrology”

This case report describes a 40-year-old man whose secondary infertility, observed after prolonged finasteride use for hair loss, resolved following discontinuation of the drug, resulting in a live birth.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.

research Finasteride-Associated Male Infertility

2 citations , January 2011 in “Yearbook of Urology”

Stopping finasteride can improve sperm count in infertile men.

research Finasteride-Associated Male Infertility

38 citations , December 2010 in “Fertility and Sterility”

In this case report, a male patient's semen parameters improved after discontinuing a 1-mg dose of finasteride, suggesting that stopping the medication may benefit infertile men with previous sperm production issues.

research Prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia in China: A Community-Based Study in Six Cities

126 citations , January 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia in Chinese men and women was lower than in Caucasians and similar to that in Koreans.

research Propecia-Induced Spermatogenic Failure: A Report of Two Cases

49 citations , December 2007 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This case report describes two infertile patients who experienced significant improvements in sperm concentrations six months after stopping finasteride.

research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men

195 citations , February 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

In this study, administering 5alpha-reductase inhibitors reduced dihydrotestosterone levels and was associated with mild, reversible decreases in semen parameters in healthy men.

research Spermatozoa and Chronic Treatment with Finasteride: A TEM and FISH Study

23 citations , January 2007 in “Archives of Andrology”

This study reported that semen quality improved in three young men after discontinuing long-term finasteride use, although meiotic abnormalities persisted.

research Chronic Treatment with Finasteride Daily Does Not Affect Spermatogenesis or Semen Production in Young Men

104 citations , October 1999 in “The Journal of Urology”

This study concluded that daily treatment with 1 mg finasteride did not affect spermatogenesis or semen production in young men and had small, reversible effects on prostate volume and serum PSA.