Beware: Propecia

[pattieh]

I'm posting this here to spread the word. I've gone through IVF three times already and decided to try IUI.

So I went for an IUI this morning and I was called by the receptionist to go straight to Andrology. The andrologist there told me that my husband's sample was not good - sperm with ZERO motility. I was devastated and bawled when I got home (I had to go to work shortly thereafter). His semen analyses in the past all indicated that he had high numbers with high motility. The only thing I could think of that he changed this year was he started to take Propecia since this summer. I am so mad that I didn't look into Propecia further - one of our friends had recommended it. Of course, hair loss sites are all saying that it has no effect on sperm or fertility, but I have come across articles where men's sperm ended up having zero motility. My biggest fear is that it's irreversible - doctor has told him to stop taking the pills and go for a semen analysis two weeks from now. He said to come by tomorrow to try again for an IUI, although today was the main day for it. I am so upset.

So for anyone out there trying to conceive, if your husband is taking Propecia, he should stop taking it ASAP. God knows how long it takes to get out of one's system - I read somewhere that it takes 3 days - hope that's true and his sperm goes back to normal. AND I heard that it could have ill effects on a baby!!!!

[heidi b]

oh i so hope that that they start to be mobile again, that is horrible.
i'm so sorry to hear that. is there anything on the net with other people stopping it and having any luck?

[pattieh]

Still looking for articles of hope. I keep finding bad ones - like one guy who took Propecia for 6 months 3 years ago and still has side effects. That's extreme though.

Our clock is ticking - I'm going to be 40 next year, so I was hoping that we would be successful with this IUI.

[gi]

Ah Patteih thats terrible, i really pray its reversible and not long term damage. This ivf/infertility world has lots of difficult hurdles and lets hope you overcome this one, keep the faith your little baby is out there xxxx

[justwannabamom]

So sorry to hear about this but wanted to give u some info. Sperm takes 2 to 3 months to be ejaculated from the time it is first made so whatever u do now you won't see the benefits or problems for about three months. So basically what I am saying is that u may have to wait 3 months for the problem to clear up so don't give up hope if there is still a problem in 2 weeks.
Good luck to you!