How Does Finasteride Affect Pregnancy?


Finasteride is an extremely powerful drug that should not be used by pregnant women. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and as a result pregnant women, or women who are trying to conceive should not touch the drug at all.

Does Finasteride Cause Any Harm to a Pregnant Woman?

Finasteride is no more dangerous to a pregnant woman than it is to a man. However if you are pregnant the side effects can become more serious than they would if you were not pregnant. This could cause you to have a more severe reaction, which could be dangerous to your health. This is not the main reason for which finasteride cannot be used by women.

Is Finasteride Harmful to a Foetus (an Unborn Child)?

Finasteride can be extremely dangerous to an unborn child. This is because it can cause birth defects in male foetuses. This defect known as hypospadias affects the male genitals. The defect causes the opening of the urinary tract to appear on the underside of the penis whereas it should be at the tip. In some cases, this deformity can be so severe that the child is born with what appear to be female genitals despite the fact that genetically they are male.

Can Finasteride Harm a Female Foetus?

No defects have been noted in female foetuses that have come into contact with finasteride. However, you should still ensure that you avoid the drug if you believe that you are pregnant with a girl. This is because testing on humans has not been carried out due to ethical reasons. It is also possible that you could have a male child if a mistake has been made during the ultrasound scan.

Can Finasteride in the Semen Harm a Foetus?

There is not enough finasteride in semen to harm a foetus whether it is male or female. Therefore, it is perfectly safe to have sex with a pregnant woman whilst taking finasteride. However, you must always ensure that your partner does not come into contact with your medication as it can be absorbed through the skin.

What Should You Do if You Are Pregnant and Have Come Into Contact With Finasteride?

If you are pregnant and you touch finasteride, you should wash the area with warm soapy water immediately. You should also see your doctor who will be able to advise you on any further precautions.

If you are taking finasteride when you become pregnant, you should stop taking the medication immediately. You should then speak to your doctor about the medication and the effects that it may have on your pregnancy. The development of your foetus will be carefully monitored for abnormalities throughout your pregnancy.

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