You’ve probably experienced at least one pimple in your life, probably a lot more than that. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions out there, affecting around 85% persons between 12 and 24 years of age. This is largely due to the fluctuating hormones you experience around puberty.
Although acne is more common in teenagers, it can happen at any age and is often affected by hormones, including your period or during pregnancy. For most people, this resolves itself over time, with lifestyle changes and topical medications – but this is not the case for everyone.
Oral medications for acne
Many people choose to take oral medications to help with more severe cases of acne such as hormonal birth control, antibiotics, or Accutane. While Accutane is the most well-known name for this drug, it is also known by Absorica, Claravis, Amnesteem, Myorisan, Zenatane, and its generic name, Isotretinoin.
While Accutane can provide incredible results for people with severe acne, it also comes with several potential side effects. One potential area where people can experience Accutane side effects is in their reproductive health. If you are considering taking Accutane or have taken it in the past, it is important to understand how this drug can affect your reproductive health.
How does Accutane work?
You’ve probably heard of using topical retinoids or retinol, which are all forms of vitamin A. Accutane is also a type of retinoid, but unlike its counterparts, it’s an oral medication meant to treat severe cases of acne. Accutane is commonly used in people with cystic acne, which are deep, painful pimples that can cause nodules or bumps that aren’t treated with conventional methods.
Like using topical retinoids, isotretinoin, which is the main ingredient in Accutane, increases dead skin cell shedding and cell turnover, reducing buildup and clogged pores. Isotretinoin also reduces the size of the oil glands and the amount of oil they produce by up to 90% – which is why so many people experience dry skin when taking Accutane.
Acutane side effects
- Irritation around the eyes and eyelids
- Sun sensitivity
- Chapped lips
- Itchy or sensitive skin
- Temporary hair thinning
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Urinary tract symptoms
- Joint pain
There are also more serious or lesser known potential side effects when it comes to reproductive health.
Accutane and Pregnancy
A well-known potential side effect of Accutane is pregnancy complications. Taking the drug during pregnancy carries a high risk of birth defects. Until 35% of infants exposed to Accutane during pregnancy will have birth defects, often affecting their ears and hearing or vision. There is also a miscarriage rate of up to 40% for people who become pregnant while taking isotretinoin.
Because of this, some providers may strongly advise using at least one form of birth control during Accutane treatment and for several months afterward, often two forms such as IUD and one oral hormone pill. You will also likely need to take a pregnancy test before starting the medication if you are sexually active.
Besides pregnancy while taking medication, Accutane can affect your reproductive system in other ways. Let’s explore how.
Accutane and reproductive health
Accutane has been linked to a wide range of reproductive problems for both men and women. In males it can decrease in sperm count and mobility. Studies have shown that women taking isotretinoin may experience menstrual disturbances.
This includes issues such as amenorrhea (the absence of periods) and irregular cycles. These issues may or may not go away after isotretinoin treatment ends. There is a possibility that this drug can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system, but there is limited research on the subject.
It’s hard to get an exact number on how many menstrual cycles are affected by Accutane. This is because so many female Accutane users are also on birth control, which can affect or even suppress the menstrual cycle. They may or may not go off birth control when they finish isotretinoin treatment.
It is not fully understood why Accutane affects the reproductive system. Some researchers believe that isotretinoin changes the way the body processes hormones. This can affect the development of eggs and sperm, and ultimately – fertility.
Although the studies are inconclusive, researchers found that people who had taken Accutane in the past had a reduction ovarian reserves as well as an increased risk of miscarriage. Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity and quality of the primordial ovarian follicle, and poor ovarian reserve can be an indicator of infertility.
These hormone changes can also affect another area of reproductive health—your libido. People taking Accutane may experience a decrease in sexual function and libido. It can also lead to side effects like vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction.
Is Accutane Right For You?
This article is intended to offer information about the potential downsides of taking Accutane. But it’s not meant to scare you away from taking a drug that for many can be life-changing. Most people never experience reproductive health problems or infertility after taking Accutane.
Accutane comes with several potential side effects, including those related to reproductive health. That said, severe acne can be painful, uncomfortable, and greatly affect one’s confidence and self-image.
Other acne management methods
- Get checked for any food sensitivities or allergies
- Seeing a holistic provider like acupuncturist the naturopathic doctor
- Use of topical treatments such as retinol and salicylic acid
- Going to a dermatologist
- Receiving dermatological treatments
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of taking Accutane or a different isotretinoin drug – especially if you’re looking to get pregnant in the near future. Only you know what the right decision is for your body, but it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to get more information and see what your possible options are.
