The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men
May 2007
in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”
TLDR Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
A study from 16 years ago found that dutasteride and finasteride, two drugs used for hair loss treatment, can decrease semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count in healthy men, but do not affect sperm motility or morphology. The drugs also lower serum levels of DHT and PSA, but the changes in semen parameters are reversible after stopping the drugs. The study suggests that these drugs should be used with caution in men who desire fertility.
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Cited in this study
research The Long-Term Effect Of Specific Type II 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density in Men: Results of a 4-Year Placebo Controlled Trial
Finasteride doesn't harm bone density in older men with BPH.
research CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH FINASTERIDE DAILY DOES NOT AFFECT SPERMATOGENESIS OR SEMEN PRODUCTION IN YOUNG MEN
Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.
research Finasteride
Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, improves urinary flow, but may cause sexual side effects.
research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
research Prolonged treatment with finasteride (a 5α-reductase inhibitor) does not affect bone density and metabolism
Long-term finasteride use doesn't change bone density or metabolism.
research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
Related
research Impact of dutasteride on spermatogenesis and oxidative status in rats.
Dutasteride did not change rat spermatogenesis or oxidative stress but needs more research.
research 5α-Reductase Inhibitors (5ARIs) and Male Reproduction
5α-Reductase inhibitors can negatively affect male sexual function and, in some cases, significantly reduce sperm count, but these effects may be reversible.
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 Effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on serum gonadotropins in normal men.
Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.