Can Taking Antidepressants Affect Your Fertility?

According to research, there is a correlation between the use of antidepressants and infertility. Some studies suggest that there is no conclusive evidence that female fertility is affected by the use of antidepressants, while most others show strong evidence that male fertility is affected by antidepressants.

There is also much debate and discussion on this topic. Firstly, antidepressants have side effects on one’s sex drive. That indirectly affects fertility. Sometimes, it can also be the other way around because trying to conceive itself can cause depression. That may make you take anti-depressants, which can affect your libido and ability to reproduce. Depression and its related problems can also impact your ability to conceive.

There is also the allied issue of pregnancy and anti-depressants, once you have already conceived. A theory suggests that stopping anti-depressants can cause a depressing pregnancy that can affect foetus health and result in preterm labour, miscarriages etc.

Does Antidepressants Cause Infertility?

Anti-depressants can cause infertility in men and not so much in women. However, one has to be cautious about concluding that anti-depressants are the real cause of infertility.

Depression itself affects one’s sex drive and fertility. Moreover, depressed people often indulge in substance abuse, over-eating, poor diet, and lack of exercise that lead to overall health issues that affect fertility. Higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can also impact fertility.

Please consult your doctor for the exact cause of your infertility because it may be due to multiple factors and not merely due to anti-depressants.

1. Effects of Antidepressants on Male Fertility

Anti-depressants cause higher DNA fragmentation in sperms. This fragmentation may adversely impact the capability of sperms to fertilise eggs. This does not occur in the sperm of men who have never taken anti-depressants. So, anti-depressants may cause infertility in men. One of the most common anti-depressants is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These have also been associated with erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems because they impact the hormones in the body. These are temporary and not permanent problems because they go away once stop the medication. However, SSRIs have a minimum impact on female fertility.

2. Effects of Antidepressants on Female Fertility

There is not much data available on how anti-depressants affect female fertility. A lot more research needs to be done on whether it’s the depression or the anti-depressants that affect female fertility.

Studies have suggested that at best it may affect the female libido with an indirect impact on fertility. Some studies concluded that SSRIs are comparatively safer for female use while conceiving and during pregnancy. According to another study, women on antidepressants find it difficult to conceive naturally.

If you are on antidepressants and trying to conceive, be aware that the researchers have concluded that being on antidepressant medication definitely decreased the chances of a woman getting pregnant that month.

If you are planning on getting pregnant while on antidepressants, consult your doctor to know how it impacts you.

What Should You Do if You’re Taking Antidepressants and Want to Have a Baby?

So, now that you have decided to have a baby while on anti-depressants, what is the best way forward? How to make antidepressants and conception go hand-in-hand for a healthy and safe conception? This is relevant also for the husband on antidepressants. Here are some tips for everybody:

• Visit your doctor and discuss whether the anti-depressants are improving or worsening your condition, or having no impact on you. Discuss how the dosage can be adjusted accordingly.
• You can try out alternative therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), yoga, counselling therapy, family support, diet and lifestyle changes etc. These can help you reduce dependence on anti-depressants.
• If you or your husband’s family has a history of depression, discuss it with a specialist. Find out what would be best for you, your family, and the baby to come.
• You can take some other medication like Viagra along with anti-depressants to boost your libido.

Studies have suggested that sildenafil (Viagra), ‘improved sexual function in 55% of men’ when taken with antidepressants. But do not self-medicate. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you.

• Try to stay off the anti-depressants sometimes. Try to conceive at that time. Check with your doctor if that is safe to do with the kind of anti-depressant you are taking.
• If you have acute or complex depression use of anti-depressants are necessary and can even be a life-saver. So, please see your doctor before you take any steps.

Anti-depressants and fertility are both very complex and can have life-changing consequences. Therefore, make sure you talk to your doctor before making decisions.