TTC when DH is taking methotrexate

[Redhothoochycoocher]

Hi all, DH and I are thinking of TTC. He has been taking methotrexate for a year for arthritis so I've asked him to speak to his nurse first.

In the meantime, just wondered if anyone had experience of this and whether your DHs were advised to stop taking it for a while before TTC

I've had a quick look online and all I can see is either information about women taking methotrexate or vague info about it not really affecting sperm but to discuss with a nurse or stopping it for 3 months before TTC.

Mumsnet disclaimer: we'll obviously follow medical advice, just posting here as I'm excited to TTC and curious about others' experiences.

When we were TTC my DH was due to start methotrexate however we delayed (and fortunately conceived quickly) as the consultant told us that if I got pregnant when he was taking it they would strongly advise abortion due to methotrexate being a mutagenic.

obviosuly take the advice of your doctor, but sadly that was our experience.

Thanks for replying. I think if we're told this we'll need to wait 3 months. He has an appointment next week with the nurse so we'll find out more then at least.

He'll probably be advised to stop MTX if you will TTC. He can ask about timings and alternate therapies.
From the product licence information;

Contraception in males
It is not known if methotrexate is present in semen. Methotrexate has been shown to be genotoxic in animal studies, such that the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot completely be excluded. Limited clinical evidence does not indicate an increased risk of malformations or miscarriage following paternal exposure to low-dose methotrexate (less than 30 mg/week). For higher doses, there is insufficient data to estimate the risks of malformations or miscarriage following paternal exposure.
As precautionary measures, sexually active male patients or their female partners are recommended to use reliable contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 3 months after cessation of methotrexate. Men should not donate semen during therapy or for 3 months following discontinuation of methotrexate.

He had his review appointment yesterday and we asked the nurse about this. Thought I'd share in case anyone is googling and comes across this thread.

Apparently a woman would need to come off if TTC but for a man it doesn't matter as it doesn't affect the sperm in the same way. She mentioned his dose meaning it's not really a problem as well so obviously check with your own docs/nurses as advice might be different