Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors on Sexual Function: New Contributions

    April 2017 in “ Actas urológicas españolas ”
    A. Alcántara Montero
    Image of study
    TLDR 5-alpha reductase inhibitors increase the risk of sexual dysfunction in patients treating enlarged prostate but not in those treating hair loss.
    A meta-analysis including 17 randomized clinical trials with 17,494 patients evaluated the effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) on sexual function in patients treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia. The patients had a mean age of 60.10 years and underwent treatment for an average of 17.6 months. The study found that 5-ARI significantly increased the risk of sexual dysfunction in patients with BPH, with a relative risk (RR) of 2.56 for sexual dysfunction overall. Erectile dysfunction and decreased libido were the most common adverse effects, with RRs of 1.55 and 1.69, respectively. However, patients treated for androgenic alopecia did not show an increased risk of these adverse effects. When comparing the two drugs, dutasteride had a higher risk of sexual dysfunction than finasteride (RR=4.09 vs. RR=1.54). The risk of adverse effects was significant only in patients treated for more than one year and with doses of 0.5 mg of dutasteride and 5 mg of finasteride.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Hair Loss Drugs Ranked in Order of Efficacy

      in Research/Science  67 upvotes 2 years ago
      Dutasteride is likely the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness, followed by finasteride and minoxidil in various forms and dosages. Users discuss personal experiences, dosages, and potential side effects, with some considering combining treatments for better results.

      community Why use Finasteride instead of Dutasteride?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  39 upvotes 2 years ago
      People are discussing why some choose finasteride over dutasteride for hair loss, noting that while dutasteride is more effective, it's also more expensive, less researched, and potentially has more side effects. Some users shared personal experiences with side effects from both drugs, and others mentioned that finasteride is FDA approved for hair loss, while dutasteride is not, except in Japan.

      community 5ARI (dutasteride) Associated with Adverse Metabolic Effects

       22 upvotes 7 years ago
      Dutasteride is associated with increased blood glucose, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and liver enzyme activity, potentially leading to diabetes, NAFLD, and liver metabolism changes. The conversation highlights concerns about these adverse effects and calls for more studies, including on finasteride.

      community If you’re on the fence about Finasteride, don’t wait!

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  78 upvotes 3 years ago
      Finasteride, a medication for hair loss that has both positive and negative effects. Users discussed their own personal experiences with the drug as well as potential side-effects of taking it, such as erectile dysfunction or gynecomastia. Suggestions were also made about starting at a lower dosage to minimize these risks.

      community Wtf have we been doing for the last 30 years

      in Treatment  548 upvotes 1 year ago
      Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride work but have side effects. A permanent cure is still not available due to the complexity of hair loss and limited investment.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results