Any sperm experts out there?! Qn re Finasteride

[A1983]

OH is taking Finasteride for male patterned baldness-it actually has worked brilliantly! It's prescribed in larger doses for enlarged prostates and also in smaller doses for hair growth in men. He's been taking it for about 9 months.

We were going to start ttc in 2 weeks but now I'm worried as I've read that the drug can affect the sperm (in quantity) but more importantly can cause birth defects. It's a temporary side effect and OH has stopped as of today-ill contact GP tomorrow, but sometimes they don't know themselves for sure.

How long are sperm in the testes for? I thought the current sperm take 3 months mature/live in the testes so does that mean we have to wait 3 months until we have unaffected sperm?! (I've read mixed things-the longest time suggested is one month, other studies say sperm are not affected in a way that causes birth defects). I know people have said if you've used a hot tub, you'd not have any good sperm for the next 3 months...which also isn't great as were due to go to one next week! I suppose if it's only the mature sperm that are affected then after a month they would be no more...

Thank you

 

[lisap2008]

Unfortunately it will take 3 months for new healthier sperm to be produced and sometimes even longer depending on how much the drug has lowered his count. I would put him on black maca and a good multivitamin this should help his sperm count bounce back.

 

[A1983]

Yes-some zinc too. I think im going to have to wait 3 months-I can't risk the sperm already there being abnormal and causing birth defects. OH thinks im being ridiculous of course. So upset though as ive been planning to start ttc for October all year due to having a baby already and hoping for a 2 year age gap

 

[messica]

It looks like Finasteride is in the FDA's pregnancy category X - meaning it is known and proven to cause birth defects.

If I were you I'd do a sperm analysis now to see just how much it has affected quantity and quality, and then again a minimum of three months later before you even think about trying.

I know it's not what you wanted to hear but the negative effects seem very well studied and long since proven. It definitely wouldn't be worth the risk to me if I were in your shoes.

 

[A1983]

Thanks-how annoying! It's definitely category x as it's SO dangerous for pregnant women...but it's the chromosomal/genetic affect on sperm I want to know.

We wont get his sperm analysed as everywhere seems to say sperm levels are restored 3-6 months following stopping taking the tablets, so that would be added stress for me. But I just need to confirm whether to wait 3 months...seems like such a long time to wait if his sperm aren't affected-especially as I'm only 2 weeks away from trying!! Yes of course I wouldn't risk my baby's health-but just wanting to know for sure the sperm's DNA is affected or not...

 

[Teri7489]

As far as i am aware men are advised to stop taking it as it can reduce the quality and quantity of sperm. It can cause birth defects in a male fetus however this only occurs if the female was to ingest of absorb the drug in to her system. Ideally your husband should stop it to improve sperm quality and to reduce your risk of being in contact with it. There no reason for you to put off ttc for 3 months.

N.B I'm a nurse and all female staff have to wear gloves when dispensing this medication and under strict instruction not to touch the tablet even though they are coated. xxx

 

[A1983]

He has stopped as of yesterday-so weird how I just came across the information. He only listened to the Dr (not a leaflet scanner like me!) and didn't know any of these side effects-only the potential loss of libido. Thank you for your help. It does seem extreme that the sperm he has now including the immature ones will be damaged chromosomally leading to birth defects...I I knew we were having a girl it wouldn't matter anyway! Only affects baby boys. Going to call a couple of fertility specialists this morning-will let you know what they say.

OH will start on zinc today too-even if his sperm count are lowered for 3 months, it's still nice and exciting to ttc 'just in case'! Ha...until I get AF...then ill be blaming those tablets!

 

[Preggos]

There is NO effect on a man that taking it for hair loss (at the 1mg per day). My husband has taken this drug for 14 years and we have zero issue conceiving both times.

This drug is also prescribed for prostate issues and it is often prescribed at the 5mg dose for this condition. This 5 times the normal dose taken for male-pattern baldness, so I would be way more cautious in this regard and talk to your doctor.

Women should never ingest or touch this drug.

 

[S004]

Hi A1983

I just came across your thread. How long after your OH stopped finasteride did you end up waiting before trying to conceive?

Thanks