TLDR Finasteride use may cause sperm damage and infertility, stopping it can improve sperm health.
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.
195 citations,
February 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.
3 citations,
April 2019 in “Human & Experimental Toxicology” Finasteride causes harmful organ changes in female mice.
54 citations,
September 2013 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride can reduce fertility in some men, but stopping it increases sperm count.
1 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of Clinical Toxicology” Babies were mostly born healthy from fathers who took finasteride, but some pregnancies ended early; more research is needed.
15 citations,
March 2020 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia” Finasteride may cause lasting sexual, mental, and physical symptoms; use with caution.
15 citations,
October 2012 in “International Urology and Nephrology” Low-dose finasteride may cause fertility issues, but stopping it can improve sperm quality and lead to pregnancy.
