The Effects Of Finasteride On Semen

With four out of five men experiencing some degree of hair loss or thinning by the age of 70, hair loss is a common concern for men the world over¹.

When hair starts to thin or bald patches start to appear, many individuals turn to hair transplant clinics in search of effective solutions.

One of the most common solutions often prescribed to manage hair loss in men is finasteride – a medication that is also used to treat enlarged prostates, otherwise known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

However, due to the way finasteride works in reducing the level of a male hormone, patients often have concerns about how taking it might affect their semen quality and fertility.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at exactly that issue, providing a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about the impact of finasteride on semen.

How finasteride works

Before we take a look at how finasteride impacts semen quality and production, it’s important to first understand how the medication works to combat hair loss.

Finasteride belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors which, as it sounds, effectively means it targets a specific enzyme in the body – the aptly named 5-alpha-reductase².

5-alpha-reductase plays a crucial role in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a hormone that, at high levels, can shrink hair follicles and shorten certain stages of the hair growth cycle³.

Finasteride works by inhibiting this enzyme’s activity, helping reduce levels of DHT to slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

In the context of treating BPH, reducing DHT levels in this way also affects the prostate gland, shrinking it in size and combatting a wide range of associated symptoms, such as having an increased need to urinate or a weaker stream⁴.

Can you take Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss

The link between finasteride & semen quality

While finasteride may be an effective method of treating BPH and reducing hair loss without surgery, its mechanism of action can also indirectly impact other bodily functions, such as semen production.

Since finasteride interferes with the conversion of testosterone to DHT, this can have a variety of effects on the male reproductive system. These can include reductions in:

Semen volume – as mentioned already, taking finasteride can reduce the size of the prostate – a walnut-shaped gland responsible for producing seminal fluid. While this may be beneficial for preventing BPH, in normal-sized prostates, studies have shown that this effect can lead to a decrease in the volume of semen being produced⁵.

Sperm concentration – certain studies have suggested that, even at low doses, taking finasteride can result in a reduced sperm concentration and sperm count³. However, despite this impact, follow-up studies have shown that these reductions have no impact on sexual dysfunction or fertility⁶.

Sperm motility – finasteride has also been associated with reduced sperm motility – the ability of the sperm to reach and fertilise an egg when trying to get pregnant. However, these effects have also been shown through studies to be reversible once you stop taking the medication³.

Finasteride: common myths and concerns

Here at the Treatment Rooms London, we see a lot of patients with preconceived notions and concerns about the impact that taking finasteride can have on the body.

With this in mind, we believe it’s essential to address some of these common questions and concerns to help dispel some of the myths surrounding the medication’s impact on semen production and other fertility-related issues.

Does finasteride cause permanent infertility?

While studies have shown that taking finasteride can impact semen production, concentration and quality, there is no substantial evidence to support the claim that finasteride causes permanent infertility^3,5,6.

In fact, many studies have actually found that all of these semen-related effects become reversed shortly after you stop taking the medication. Therefore, any minor fertility-related issues you experience while taking it should be undone once you stop^3,6.

Will changes to my semen impact my sexual function and performance?

Due to its impact on semen, many patients worry that reductions in semen volume and concentration will have a negative impact on sexual function, performance or pleasure. However, this simply isn’t true in most cases.

Studies have shown that the semen-related changes caused by taking finasteride are very subtle⁷. As such, they should not impact your ability to have or enjoy having sex.

How long does it take for sperm count to return after stopping finasteride?

Before taking finasteride, many men have questions surrounding how long it will take for their sperm count and quality to return once they stop taking it – if at all.

Research has shown that sperm concentrations substantially increase within three to six months of stopping the medication, with only mild effects on semen seen in patients while taking it⁵.

However, if you are already taking finasteride and are concerned about the impact it is having, speak to your healthcare professional as an alternative treatment may be available.

Does taking finasteride impact pregnancy or the ability to get pregnant?

Finasteride is not recommended for use in women, as it can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Women who are looking to become pregnant should also avoid handling crushed or broken tablets of finasteride⁸.

Finasteride can also put an added strain on relationships, especially when trying to get pregnant.

Therefore, if you’re concerned about your hair loss but are looking to start a family, you and your partner should speak to a fertility healthcare professional. They will be best placed to help you find the right dosage and treatment options for your exact circumstances.

Managing your concerns

If you are considering using finasteride to treat your hair loss, but are worried about the impact it could have on your body, day-to-day life or relationships, it’s crucial to address any of these concerns in advance.

As with any other type of hair loss medication or surgical procedure, it’s important to know as much as possible so that you can make a more informed decision. Here are a few top tips to help:

Consult a professional – having an open dialogue and feeling comfortable with your healthcare professional is crucial. Here at the Treatment Rooms London, for example, our team have extensive expertise in a wide range of hair loss treatments and would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have to alleviate your fears.

Arrange regular follow-up appointments – once you start taking finasteride, arranging routine follow-up appointments can help monitor any changes in your semen quality and assess any other potential side effects. Doing so can then ensure any potential side effects or issues are dealt with promptly, reducing their impact on your day-to-day life or relationships.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle – while finasteride may impact semen quality and fertility, maintaining a good diet, exercising regularly and managing your overall level of stress can all have an effect too. Therefore, making healthier lifestyle choices both before and while taking the medication could help reduce any potential side effects.

Seek alternative treatment options – if you are still concerned about the side effects that taking finasteride can have, there are a variety of alternative hair loss treatments that could be used instead. An FUE hair transplant, for example, could combat your hair loss issues a lot more quickly, without impacting your semen or fertility in any way. Visit our dedicated page to find out whether you are a suitable candidate.

Combine hair loss treatments – if you suffer from a condition called androgenic alopecia, taking a dual-treatment option could be the best option. Combining finasteride with a hair transplant or another medication called minoxidil, for example, could provide greater benefits more quickly.

Book a consultation for further advice

While finasteride may be associated with reduced levels of semen quality, production and fertility, many studies suggest that these effects are generally mild and reversible over time³.

Therefore, when dealing with hair loss issues like male pattern baldness, finasteride remains a highly valuable medication for patients to use.

However, it’s also important for you to be aware of the potential side effects of finasteride, maintaining an open dialogue with your dedicated healthcare professional both before and while taking it.

If you have any further questions or concerns about taking finasteride, we can help.

Here at the Treatment Rooms London, we have already helped hundreds of patients combat the effects of hair loss, restoring their confidence and getting them back to feeling their best. So, why not let us do the same for you?

Simply book a consultation with us to get started.

Sources

Aumann, M. (2022) What Causes Hair Loss in Men? WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/men-hair-loss-causes (Accessed 15th September 2023)
NHS. (2023). Finasteride: Common questions about finasteride. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/common-questions-about-finasteride/ (Accessed 15th September 2023)
Samplaski, M., Lo, K., Grober, E. & Jarvi, K. (2013). Finasteride use in the male infertility population: effects on semen and hormone parameters. Fertil Steril. 100(6): 1542 – 1546. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24012200/
NHS. (2023). Benign prostate enlargement: Treatment. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/ (Accessed 15th September 2023)
Liu, K., Binsaleh, S. & Jarvi, K. (2007). Propecia may induce spermatogenic failure. Fertility and sterility. 88(1): 394. Available at: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(07)02167-X/fulltext
Pallotti, F., Senofonte, G., Pellon, M., Cargnelutti, F., et al. (2020). Androgenetic alopecia: effects of oral finasteride on hormone profile, reproduction and sexual function. Endocrine. 68(3): 688 – 694. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339212047_Androgenetic_alopecia_effects_of_oral_finasteride_on_hormone_profile_reproduction_and_sexual_function
Anitha, B., Inamadar, A., Ragunatha, S. (2009) Finasteride-Its Impact on Sexual Function and Prostate Cancer. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2(1): 12 – 16. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/42345913_Finasteride-Its_Impact_on_Sexual_Function_and_Prostate_Cancer
NICE (2023) Finasteride. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/finasteride/ (Accessed 15th September 2023)