What Is the Evidence for Finasteride Causing Harmful Effects During Pregnancy, and Should a Couple Be Concerned If the Male Partner Is Taking It?

December 2025 in “ Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) ”

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TLDR Finasteride is risky during pregnancy, but the chance of harm from a male partner taking it is low if handled safely.

Finasteride is contraindicated during pregnancy because of its teratogenic risks, meaning it can cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus. However, the risk of exposure through a male partner's semen is considered minimal. The primary concern for pregnant women is handling crushed finasteride tablets, which should be avoided to prevent any potential risk.

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What Is the Evidence for Finasteride Causing Harmful Effects During Pregnancy, and Should a Couple Be Concerned if the Male Partner Is Taking It?

research What Is the Evidence for Finasteride Causing Harmful Effects During Pregnancy, and Should a Couple Be Concerned if the Male Partner Is Taking It?

December 2025 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)”

Pregnant women should avoid handling crushed finasteride tablets, but exposure through a male partner's semen is minimal.

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18 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some skin medications can harm male fertility, but they don't seem to cause birth defects from father's exposure.

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