Does Antidepressants cause infertility?

Q: Does Antidepressants cause infertility?

Emerging / debated. Some signals exist (animal studies, small human studies) but results are conflicting and the scientific community is still debating them. Signals of altered semen parameters and prolactin levels in small studies, not confirmed at larger scale.

Antidepressants

Psychotropic drugs (notably SSRIs)

Evidence level : Emerging / debated Medication & treatmentsMechanism : Medication burden

🟠 Some signals exist (animal studies, small human studies) but results are conflicting and the scientific community is still debating them.

Where it's found: Long-term treatments for depression or anxiety.
Suspected mechanism: Signals of altered semen parameters and prolactin levels in small studies, not confirmed at larger scale.
Suggested alternative: Abrupt discontinuation is risky. The topic should be discussed with a doctor, without guilt: an untreated disorder is also a risk factor.
Source: Systematic reviews on SSRIs and semen parameters.

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Related factors

Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.

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Content last updated: September 14, 2026