btoll

not sure which board this is correct for...it has to do with trying to conceive, but it is for people who already have children, too.

My husband and I successfully conceived a child 2 and a half years ago. with Clomid. We conceived on the third cycle I ovulated, so I think his spermies were (and hopefully still are) pretty healthy.
This time we are going to do the same route of clomid with me, however, he is now on 2 low dose antidepressants. I know that some small studies have shown that antidepressants can reduce fertility and maybe cause some damage to sperm. It is probably in his best interest (and the family) for him to stay on these antidepressants at this time (for personal reasons) though I'm sure he'd be willing to go off of them for a few months..however, that is not an easy slow process as you need to ween off of these types of meds.

My question is...has anyone out there successfully conceived a healthy child while your husband (male) was on anti-depressants?

I'm a bit concerned because our first child is leaning toward very very mild PDD/autism possibly (or maybe just some quirks in personality)...so if we already have genes that can possibly carry some other abnormalities, I'm concerned that his taking antidepressants might make chances of something going wrong with the second child even higher. Besides that factor, we are both healthy and active individuals. Its just so scary when you already have a first child that might have some issues.

sazzifrazz

I don't really have any answers for you in regards to your husband, but I did want to say Im sorry your child may have PDD. How old is he/she? Will you be seeking early intervention? I am a special ed teacher and focused in autism. Early intervention can be so life changing. some kids have sensory problems, but not PDD. its important to have a full work up done and focus on areas that the child is having issues in such as language. I have never heard any speculations that antidepresants can cause autism but gosh who the heck really knows. I swear my son had HORRIBLE acid reflux because I took zantac through out pregnancy. next pregnancy will not take it. I wouldn't suggest your DH go off of his meds though.

__________________

IVF #1 Quinten Patrick born 3/17/06
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IVF #2 "Lilly" ended in mc 7/21/2007 at 5.5 wks, IVF#3 11/2007: BFN, IVF #4 4/2008: BFN
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Next IVF planned summer 2009
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btoll

thanks for the reply. my son has been receiving Early Intervention and therapies since he was 8 months old when the concerns and symptoms really started.
Probably thanks to that he is doing wonderfully and we hope he may fly under the radar and never have to have a diagnosis. we remain hopeful, but not blind to his needs and issues.
My husband was not on any meds at that time and I was only on Clomid.
Genes on my husbands side of the family are probably most likely the culprit...lots of quirky men (probably undiagnosed PDD or Aspergers) over there. However, they are all independently functioning individuals, they just have some hard times with social situations and depression...hence my husband and his genetic disposition to depression. (okay, I'm sharing WAY too much personal info).

I agree that my husband probably should be off all meds for the best outcome..but I just wanted to know if anyone has a personal account of being able to conceive while their husband was on any meds like this and their child was fine.
thanks again for the kind words