Question
How does finasteride affect male fertility?
Answer
Finasteride is a hormone that blocks the conversion of testosterone to a more potent hormone called DHT. It's used to reduce prostate size in older men or reduce male pattern baldness in younger men. It does have some hormonal effects and there is some evidence for reduction in sperm density whilst receiving finasteride. But these effects wear off over several months. So, if you're concerned and looking to have children, you should discuss the reasons you’re on finasteride with your doctor and consider whether it's really necessary for you to continue.
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Answered by: Prof Rob McLachlan AM FRACHP PhD
Prof Rob McLachlan is the Medical Director of Healthy Male. He specialises in the area of male reproductive medicine and has made significant contributions to research in endocrinology, infertility and andrology.
In 2016, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to medicine in the field of endocrinology, particularly in men’s reproductive health, and to medical research.
He is also an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Deputy Director of Endocrinology at the Monash Medical Centre, and consultant to the World Health Organisation on male infertility regulation.