Finasteride-Induced Secondary Infertility Associated with Sperm DNA Damage

February 2011 in “ Fertility and Sterility ”

Hin Yu Vincent Tu, Armand Zini

finasteride androgenic hair loss sperm DNA fragmentation index secondary infertility Propecia DFI

Studysummary This case report suggests that discontinuing low-dose finasteride in a 48-year-old man led to a significant reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation index, indicating a possible link between finasteride and sperm DNA damage. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This case report describes a 48-year-old man who had been taking low-dose finasteride for androgenic hair loss and was experiencing secondary infertility with his wife. The patient had normal semen parameters but an elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). After discontinuing finasteride, the patient's DFI decreased significantly within three months, suggesting a causal link between finasteride and sperm DNA damage. The authors suggest that in infertile men using finasteride, sperm DFI should be measured in addition to semen parameters, and a trial of discontinuation of finasteride may be warranted.

View this study on fertstert.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

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 Finasteride-Associated Male Infertility

34 citations , January 2004 in “Revista do Hospital das Clínicas”

The authors reported that young men with infertility-related conditions experienced improved seminal quality after stopping finasteride, suggesting potential adverse effects on fertility during treatment.