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	Dr. Alan J. Bauman, MD

Dr. Alan J. Bauman is the Founder, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Bauman Medical Group, P.A. located in Wharfside at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida. His practice is dedicated exclusively to treating male and female pattern hair loss. Dr. Bauman uses state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques to help his patients maintain and/or restore their scalp hair.

	Question Asked By

harry
2006-08-21

	Question Topic

dutasteride and pregnancy

	Question

I have recently stared taking dutasteride. Its too early at present to see any results. Will the taking of this drug affect me and my partner trying for a baby in any way?

	Answer

Dutasteride is similar to finasteride (propecia) when it comes to the reduction of DHT and is considered SAFE for YOU (the father) AND your baby when concieving a child with your partner. Obviously, your partner (the mom) should not take the medication. According to studies done in rats, there might be a reversible decrease in your fertility while taking dutasteride. Decreases in sperm count, but no decreases in sperm concentration were noted in the rats. However, once you have conceived, the medication is considered safe. Here's the short-version explanation: Dutasteride and Finasteride are not indicated for women of child-bearing age because blocking the DHT production in a developing male fetus would have a feminizing effect on the gentalia. Even in your semen, you cannot deliver enough of the medication to your partner to cause harmful effects on your unborn male child. Obviously, your partner (the mom) SHOULD NOT be taking (or handling) dutasteride or finasteride during the pregnancy because of the theoretical risk. More info can be found on the GSK.com website or Merck.com website if this is not clear. Again, it is considered safe for you (the dad) to take dutasteride or finasteride while you and your partner are trying to have a baby. You can continue the medication while your partner is pregnant. Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. B. Alan J. Bauman, MD Medical Director Bauman Medical Group This information does not substitue for your prescribing-physicians advice. It is for informational purposes only. Seek the advice of your prescribing-physician when making any decisions regarding medication.

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