Finasteride is a medicine that can help men with hair loss. But it can be dangerous for women who are pregnant or might get pregnant. That is because finasteride can lower a hormone called DHT, which is important for male babies to grow normally. So, women who are pregnant or might get pregnant should not touch or use finasteride.
In this article, we will answer some questions about finasteride and pregnancy, such as:
• Does finasteride affect pregnancy? Is finasteride safe during pregnancy?
• Is topical finasteride safe in pregnancy?
• Can I take finasteride while my partner is pregnant?
• When to stop finasteride before pregnancy?
• How to handle finasteride safely during pregnancy?
If you or your partner are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about your finasteride treatment.
Does finasteride affect pregnancy? Is finasteride safe during pregnancy?
Finasteride is not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finasteride can pass through the placenta or the breast milk and harm the baby. Some studies have shown that finasteride can cause birth defects in male babies who are exposed to it before they are born.
We don’t have much research on how finasteride affects pregnancy in humans, but we know that it can be risky. So, women who are pregnant or might get pregnant should not touch or use finasteride pills or creams.
Is topical finasteride safe in pregnancy?
Topical finasteride is a cream or gel that you apply on your scalp to treat hair loss. It may have less side effects than oral finasteride, which is a pill that you swallow. But it is still not safe for women who want to have a baby. Topical finasteride can still lower your DHT levels and affect your baby’s development.
If you are a woman with hair loss, you should talk to your doctor about other options, such as minoxidil, which is another medicine that you apply on your scalp.
Can I take finasteride while my partner is pregnant?
If you are a man who takes finasteride and your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about what to do. Finasteride may be present in your semen and could transfer to your partner during sex. This could expose your baby to finasteride and cause problems.
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking finasteride at least a month before you try to have a baby with your partner. You should also use condoms or other methods to prevent pregnancy during this time. If you want to keep taking finasteride while your partner is pregnant, you should always use condoms or other methods to protect your partner and your baby. Although most experts agree that condoms are not necessary.
You may also ask your doctor about topical finasteride, which may have less risk than oral finasteride. But remember that topical finasteride is still not safe for women who are pregnant or might get pregnant, so you should not let your partner touch your scalp or hair.
When to stop finasteride before pregnancy?
There is no clear answer on when you should stop taking finasteride before you try to have a baby with your partner. But many doctors suggest that you stop taking it at least a month before you start trying. This is because finasteride stays in your body for a few hours after you take it.
You should also use condoms or other methods to prevent pregnancy during this month. This will help you avoid getting your partner pregnant while there is still some finasteride in your system.
You should talk to your doctor about when it is safe to stop taking finasteride before you try to have a baby with your partner.
How to handle finasteride safely during pregnancy?
If you take or use finasteride, you should be careful not to expose your partner or anyone else who is pregnant or might get pregnant to it. This means that you should not let them touch or use your finasteride pills or creams.
You should also keep your finasteride away from children and pets, who may accidentally swallow it or touch it.
If you use topical finasteride, you should follow the instructions on how and when to apply it. You should wash your hair before you go to bed, so that there is less chance of getting some of the cream or gel on your pillow and then on your partner’s skin. You should also avoid letting your partner touch or massage your scalp, even if it feels good.
Finasteride and pregnancy: Summary
Finasteride can help men with hair loss, but it can be harmful for women who are pregnant or might get pregnant. Finasteride can lower a hormone called DHT, which is important for male babies to grow normally. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male babies who are
exposed to it before they are born.
Women who are pregnant or might get pregnant should not touch or use finasteride pills or creams. Men who take or use finasteride should talk to their doctor about what to do if their partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant. They should also use condoms or other methods to prevent pregnancy and protect their partner and their baby.
If you or your partner are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about your finasteride treatment.