The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

Finasteride

March 2013 in “ Reactions Weekly ”

finasteride androgenetic alopecia sperm DNA fragmentation index secondary infertility Propecia

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TLDR A man's fertility improved after he stopped taking finasteride but worsened again when he restarted the medication.

A 40-year-old man experienced secondary infertility after using finasteride 1mg daily for 101 months (8.5 years) to treat hair loss from androgenetic alopecia. Laboratory tests revealed impaired semen parameters and a sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDFI) greater than 30%, indicating DNA damage. Upon discontinuing finasteride, his semen volume, count, and motility improved within 8 months, and his SDFI decreased. His wife became pregnant 11 months after he stopped taking the drug, and his semen parameters continued to improve 18 months after cessation. However, after the man restarted finasteride, follow-up tests at 3 months and 19 months showed a decline in semen volume, sperm count, and motility, although his SDFI was not affected. This case suggests that prolonged use of low-dose finasteride may cause reversible secondary infertility.

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Research cited in this study

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Secondary Infertility Due to Use of Low-Dose Finasteride

research Secondary Infertility Due to Use of Low-Dose Finasteride

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.

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6 / 1000+ results

community Dutasteride Infertility Debunked: Low T causes true infertility.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 165 upvotes 3 weeks ago

Dutasteride and finasteride may temporarily affect semen quality but are unlikely to cause permanent infertility. The Kim et al. study is criticized for poor methodology, and many prefer hair retention over potential fertility concerns, using treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil.

community Fresh off the press: Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility

in Research/Science 642 upvotes 4 weeks ago

Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility by reducing semen volume and motility, with concerns about irreversible prostate fibrosis. Users consider switching to finasteride or using treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, weighing hair preservation against fertility.

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 679 upvotes 6 months ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

community Doctor says i shouldn't take fin because its "hormonal"

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 106 upvotes 8 months ago

A user in Turkey was advised by a dermatologist to avoid finasteride due to its hormonal effects and was prescribed minoxidil, shampoo, and vitamins instead. The user is considering seeking another doctor's opinion or buying finasteride directly from a pharmacy.

community CRISPR Is Curing People Right Now. Genetic Hair Loss is Next?

in Technology 107 upvotes 6 months ago

CRISPR shows promise for treating hair loss by targeting specific genes. Current treatments include Minoxidil and finasteride, but CRISPR could offer a more precise solution, though it is still expensive and in early stages.

community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

in Research/Science 235 upvotes 1 year ago

Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Secondary Infertility Due to Use of Low-Dose Finasteride

research Secondary Infertility Due to Use of Low-Dose Finasteride

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.

Safety Concerns Regarding 5α Reductase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Safety Concerns Regarding 5α Reductase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

33 citations, April 2015 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity”

5α reductase inhibitors treat hair loss but may cause sexual side effects and risks.

Side Effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review

research Side Effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review

35 citations, April 2013 in “Sexual medicine reviews”

5-alpha reductase inhibitors slightly increase the risk of sexual and mood side effects, and breast growth in men.

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

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

54 citations, September 2013 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride can reduce fertility in some men, but stopping it increases sperm count.

Pregnancy Outcomes with Paternal Exposure to Finasteride, a Synthetic 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor: A Case Series

research Pregnancy Outcomes with Paternal Exposure to Finasteride, a Synthetic 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor: A Case Series

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.