Do I need to get my sperm tested if I’m on finasteride?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Finasteride may reduce sperm count, sperm motility, and semen volume in some men, which can impact fertility. If you're taking finasteride and trying to conceive—or planning to—a semen analysis is a smart step to understand your baseline and identify any changes. Stopping finasteride often reverses these effects, but testing gives you clarity.

Not sure if your symptoms or medication side effects warrant next steps? Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get personalized guidance on what to do next. It takes just a few minutes, requires no sign-up, and can help you decide whether to see a doctor, request a test, or explore alternatives—giving you confidence before your next appointment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Finasteride is a medication that can affect male fertility by altering sperm production. Some studies have shown that it can lead to changes in sperm count and quality. If you are taking finasteride and are worried about your ability to have children, it might be helpful to get your sperm tested. This can help you understand if finasteride is affecting your fertility.

Why Consider Testing?

Sperm Count and Quality: Finasteride may reduce sperm count or change sperm quality.
Personal Concerns: If you are planning to start a family, knowing your sperm health can be important.

What to Do?

Consult a Doctor: Discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider who can guide you on whether testing is necessary. To help prepare for your appointment and understand your symptoms better, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights.
Testing Options: A sperm analysis can provide information about sperm count and health.

Remember, it's always best to talk to a healthcare professional about your specific situation.

(References)

Samplaski MK, Lo K, Grober E, & Jarvi K. (2013). Finasteride use in the male infertility population. Fertility and sterility, 24012200.
Ricci G, Martinelli M, Luppi S, Lo Bello L, De Santis M, Skerk K, & Zito G. (2012). Finasteride and fertility: case report and review of the .... Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 23377525.
Trüeb RM, Luu NC, Gavazzoni Dias MFR, & Dutra Rezende H. (2022). How to Deal with the Issues of Fertility, Malignancies, and .... Skin appendage disorders, 35707289.

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