TLDR Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.
A study found that chronic use of finasteride for hair loss treatment does not affect sperm production or semen quality in young men, indicating that it is safe to use without affecting fertility. The drug's effects on prostate volume and serum PSA were minimal and reversible upon discontinuation. However, there was a slight decrease in ejaculate volume. Overall, the study concluded that taking finasteride daily for a long time does not harm male fertility.
Cited in this study
8 / 8 results
581 citations
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October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
1054 citations
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February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
34 citations
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January 1998 in “European Urology” Finasteride works best in 6 months and lasts 6 years.
61 citations
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September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”
1040 citations
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October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
9 citations
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August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”
37 citations
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January 1991 in “Reproductive Toxicology” Finasteride reduces male rat fertility by causing issues with copulatory plug formation.
28 citations
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January 1991 in “Reproductive Toxicology” Finasteride temporarily lowers male rat fertility without affecting libido.