Finasteride-induced secondary infertility associated with sperm DNA damage
May 2011
in “Fertility and Sterility”
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.
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Cited in this study
research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men
Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
research Finasteride-associated male infertility
Finasteride may worsen infertility in men with existing issues, but stopping it can improve sperm health.