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Fertility and pregnancy while taking finasteride - Brand names: Proscar, Propecia

Finasteride and pregnancy

Only very small amounts of finasteride are present in semen. If you're pregnant and your partner takes finasteride, it's very unlikely that this will cause any harm to you or your baby.

The manufacturers of finasteride still recommend using a condom when having sex, but the actual risk is unlikely to be significant. Most experts agree that this is not necessary.

Finasteride and male fertility

Some men taking finasteride have reported test results showing that they had poor sperm quality or were infertile. This is not a common side effect and your sperm usually returns to normal after you stop taking finasteride.

Sexual side effects

Finasteride can give you side effects such as not being able to get an erection (erectile dysfunction) and having less interest in sex (loss of libido).

If these side effects do not go away, are worrying you or are affecting your sex life, speak to your doctor.

Page last reviewed: 2 August 2023
Next review due: 2 August 2026